ChimaniMbeu provides relief to drought-stricken Chimanimani villagers

By Elizabeth Kucherera

On a sweltering afternoon as the scorching sun beat down on Nhedziwa village, local farmers gathered for the official opening of ChimaniMbeu seed market whose aim is the keeping and preservation of traditional seeds.

TSURO Trust facilitated the programme in Nhedziwa, Chimanimani under Manicaland province.

TSURO Trust program coordinator Steven Mujee highlighted the importance of showcasing and selling traditional seeds in the Chimanimbeu market.

“Farmers must continue to grow drought-tolerant seeds for their regions, especially traditional seeds for nutrition security.

“These days people now prefer original grains to avoid chronic diseases,” said Mujee.

For many farmers in Manicaland the seed market is more than just a temporary relief. They represent a lifeline during a season of uncertainty with crops that withered in the fields.

The assistance provided by Chimanimbeu has been met with immense gratitude by the beneficiaries.

Hashai Josphat Mlambo, a farmer from Rusitu, Dzingire village who was one of the attendees, encouraged other famers across the country to avoid hybrid seeds due to climate change.

“Let us grow open-pollinated seeds and small grains as these seeds are drought tolerant and for the benefits of our health,” said Mlambo.

He added that small grains seeds do not take long to be harvested.

Another farmer, Getrude Nyatwa from Buhera echoed similar sentiments.
“Small grains sre not only healthy but are a solution for farmers when drought comes,” she said.

Nyatwa’s words resonated with many as they shared stories of how the drought impacted their lives, leaving them with little to nothing to grow in the next season.

The District Development Coordinator, Elisha Mushayavanhu reassured the community farmers that ChimaniMbeu market will bring hope to farmers who lost their traditional seeds during drought since different seeds will be available at the market.

The El Nino event caused chaos on agricultural productivity, leaving many families vulnerable.