Mutare young farmers workshop a success
By Elizabeth Kucherera
In a heartwarming display of community service, Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA), held a successful Community Stakeholders workshop Friday for young urban farmers in Mutare under the Urban Futures Project. The idea was to provide information and mentoring of young local farmers.
Challenges that are being faced due to climate changes were also discussed, among other topics.
One of the attendees Joanna Mwaurayeni Chirimuuta, a young local farmer, spoke out about the infestation of insects caused by extreme heat, which attacked crops.
“White fly insects are destroying my crops, especially vegetables. These insects are giving me a hard time especially for vegetables such as covo, rape and lettuce,” she said.
Another young local farmer from Murambi, Liberty Mutukuzi made a plea to agronomists to provide essential information on heat pesticides.
“Agronomists should provide enough information to us farmers on these pesticides caused by climate change,” he said.
Courage Mabanja (30) from Young Farmer’s Club also explained in detail the challenges the group are facing from the city fathers on their urban farming on the idle land for council.
“Last week council gave us some threats over sewer pipes blockages,” he said. “They were accusing us of deliberately blocking sewer pipes for access to manure.
“But this is wrong as we are not doing such an act but are actually complimenting efforts of our city fathers in reducing drug abuse amongst youth by engaging them in farming.
“Proper investigation must be done for our safety and that of our crops” Mabanja said.
The workshop was graced by young local farmers, local councilors and media.
Green Governance (GGZT) in partnership with National Association of Youth Organization (NAYO) and Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) with support from Hivos are organizations that are supporting these youths through the Urban Futures Project.
