Brian Gutai (27) from Gumise Village in Cashel Valley, Chimanimani District, is redefining what it means to be a young farmer in Zimbabwe. With the support of Participatory Organic Research and Extension Training (PORET) Trust – a PELUM Zimbabwe member organisation, Brian has transformed from a struggling grower into a thriving agroecology advocate and community trainer.
Before joining PORET Trust in September 2024, Brian’s farming journey was fraught with challenges. Limited knowledge and heavy reliance on synthetic fertilizers kept his yields low and his future uncertain.
“I used to grow very few crops on 1.2 hectares of land, where I grew tomatoes because I had no extensive knowledge on farming and I was not able to effectively monitor my crops. I used to rely heavily on synthetic fertilizers,” he recalls.
Everything changed when he joined PORET. With access to practical training and mentorship, Brian began to reshape his approach to farming.
“Since I joined PORET Trust my life has changed, I have managed to extend my farmland, and am now a smallholder farmer who is earning a living through farming. I extended my land to 2 hectares from 1,2 hectares and the land now allows me to grow different varieties of crops and I am also able to monitor my crops effectively,” he says.
Today, Brian is a proud practitioner of agroecology, making his own organic fertilizers using bokashi and compost, significantly improving soil fertility and crop performance.
“I make my own natural fertilizers using local resources to enrich my soil. I am able to feed my soil bokashi fertilizers and manure from the compost, which is significantly enhancing the soil fertility. As a result, I can successfully grow crops like potatoes, cabbages, tomatoes, and beans without relying on synthetic fertilizers, chemicals or external inputs,” he explains.
His participation in trainings facilitated by PELUM Zimbabwe through PORET Trust has equipped him with a wide range of agroecological skills.
“I have attended various trainings facilitated by PELUM Zimbabwe through PORET Trust, including soil fertility management training, watershed management trainings and Participatory Action Research among others,” Brian shares.
But perhaps most inspiring is how Brian has become a beacon of change in his community, passing on what he has learned to fellow farmers.
“My community has also benefited as we share knowledge on the trainings as trainer of trainers (TOT), training other farmers on how to make organic fertilizers, establish water harvesting infrastructure and sharing traditional ecological knowledge,” he says.
His work is not going unnoticed. Fellow youth farmer Learnmore Chaonwa (22), also working with PORET Trust, believes youth like Brian are the future of sustainable agriculture.
“As youth farmers, we have deep pride in the work we are doing in our communities, particularly our commitment to upscaling agroecology like what Brian is doing. As youths we are not just growing crops, but we are working together to grow a sustainable future for our communities,” he says.
Blessing Chamudondo (54), Programmes Manager at PORET Trust, echoes this sentiment.
“As an organisation deeply rooted in the community, we are very inspired to capacitate youths with practical and sustainable knowledge which we share through trainings (which Brian has been a part of). Brian has truly become a champion for change, inspiring others to adopt agroecology sustainable practices that benefit the community,” he says.
Brian’s journey is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of agroecology and youth empowerment. From a small tomato plot to 2 flourishing hectares, he is not just growing crops but he is growing hope, knowledge, and a greener future for his community.
