BY STEVE EPHRAEM
FARMERS in Manicaland are now benefiting from a programme by Chikukwa Land Use Community Trust (CELUCT) of training them in Agroecology. This is undertaken in association with Bindura University and has started on Wednesday (24 May).
Agroecology is a farming concept which focuses on increased yields while reducing environmental impacts.
Speaking to this publication, an officer with CELUCT, Samuel Chimbarara revealed that their organisation shall train farmers only at certificate level.
“CELUCT is a satellite of Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre in training agroecology. It will train only certificate level. Those who want to advance to diploma level can do it at Fambidzanai in Harare.
“We have started the course on Wednesday, 24 May 2023 with a total of 60 students. Two students came from Buhera, 1 from Mutare and the remainder from Chimanimani and Chipinge.
“Ours is mainly a Practical Oriented Course. Theory will be only 10 percent. We are targeting farmers who really want to address the negative challenges of Climate Change,” said Chimbarara.
CELUCT is running other agroecology projects which include soil health (soil and water conservation), small livestock, fish farming and bee-keeping.