STEVE EPHRAEM
MINISTER of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Hon Nokuthula Matsikenyeri, on Monday (20 February) was impressed by agroecology projects which are being undertaken by farmers in Chimanimani West.
The minister visited five agroecology projects which are spearheaded by a self-help organisation, Participatory Organic Research and Training (PORET). The organisation is operating in Chimanimani West.
The minister of state first visited a project in Mhandarume (Ward 2) where farmers are managing livestock to compact and enrich their fields. The minister proceeded to Zvokuitirwa village in Ward 3 where farmers have established tree nurseries and have embarked on a serious tree planting exercise.
In Jinga village (Ward 5), the minister witnessed how farmers in two projects are doing water harvesting using swales and dams. One project is even boasting of a fishery project from the water harvesting initiatives.
Min Matsikenyeri wound her tour by visiting PORET Training Centre.
Addressing farmers at the training centre, Hon Matsikenyeri thanked Chimanimani West folk for embracing agroecology concepts and went further to advice them to show interest in initiating development projects on their own before looking for help from development partners.
“One should not stand at a bus stop and wait for transport to carry her from there. It has changed. The bus shall carry a person who is already walking towards the destination. Do something on your own and we will carry you from where we find you,” she said.
During the same event, the director of PORET, Julious Piti revealed that Chaseyama Permaculture Clubs had established more than 300 trees which they intend to use for re-afforesting disused mines in Chiadzwa diamond fields. Minister Matsikenyeri invited Mr Piti to visit her office in order to deliberate further on the proposed Chiadzwa re-afforestation project.