David Zivanai (52), is a dedicated smallholder farmer who is also a herder from Guchacha, Jokoro Village, Ward 10A in Chinyika. He works with Chinyika Community Development Trust (CCDT), a PELUM Zimbabwe member.

David is the chairperson of herders in Chinyika, leading a group of 15 herders who are committed to sustainable livestock practices and community development. David is an independent farmer, specialising in the cultivation of traditional grains like sorghum, pearl millet and rapoko.

David joined CCDT in 2017, after being inspired by the potential for change in his community.

“I joined the Holistic Land and Livestock Management (HLLM) program in 2019 after we went for exchange visits facilitated by PELUM Zimbabwe in Chimanimani. These visits opened my eyes to innovative farming techniques and the benefits of holistic management,” he explains.

After joining CCDT,  David has changed his way of farming and is now using the traditional ways of farming.

“After I joined the program, I totally switched to organic fertilizers and adopted crop field management practices, and this approach has breathed new life into our land. I am now focusing on utilising traditional ways of farming and I now make my own bokashi fertilisers. There is no longer hunger in Chinyika village; the forest has grown into rich pastures, supporting both our livestock and wildlife.” he shares.

David shares how the number of farmers working with CCDT have increased  and the impact of the HLLM program in his village.

“I began working with one person when this program initially started, and as people saw the benefits, they started joining. Now we have 15 herders in our ward and  I am currently working with 7 men and 4 women, including 4  youths in the group,” he says.

David shares how the land in Chinyika has revitalized and how the HLLM program has changed the way people live in Chinyika.

“The crop field impaction has  greatly improved the organic matter in the soil. Having cows on the fields helps aerate the soil, and their waste adds nutrients and strength to the soil and because of this, the soil can hold more moisture, which is important for the crops to grow healthier. Our soils have been revitalized, and we now produce better yields than ever before and many people in my community have testified that farming on the impacted areas has increased their production triple times,” he shares.

 David shares how farming on the impacted land has changed the land in Chinyika community.

“We have witnessed a remarkable boost in the growth of trees and a variety of plants, creating a greener, more vibrant environment around us. This holistic approach is not just about farming, it is about revitalizing our community and nurturing a healthier ecosystem that supports both nature and our food security,” he  says.

David shares that this program has brought a new way of living to his family, his life has totally changed his life to be a better person in his community.

“Before I started working with CCDT, I was at home only focusing on my garden but when I joined the HLLM program, my life changed. Previously I was not able to take my children to school, but now I can pay their fees on time. I did not have any cows but I  now have 8 cows,” he says.

Vimbai Mlambo (64), the Project Coordinator at CCDT, says David has made a difference in his community.

“David’s journey shows how smallholder farmers can transform their lives and the environment through sustainable practices. His leadership in the community demonstrates the impact of collective efforts in livestock and land management,” she says.

Gutuza Hatizvioni (51), an Agricultural Business Advisory Officer from Gutu working with CCDT, shares how they are working with David in applying the HLLM concept.

“David is doing amazing work in Chinyika. He is someone we can all look up to and  he is a very hard working man. His journey really shows how important it is to promote organic and sustainable farming practices. The HLLM program has not only just helped restore damaged land but has also supported wildlife and made sure our rural communities have enough food,” he says.

David’s story shows the profound impact of community driven initiatives. His progress demonstrates how sustainable, holistic practices can restore the environment and transform the lives of smallholder farmers in Chinyika and any other village in Zimbabwe. This serves as a reminder that when people unite with dedication and purpose, meaningful development is possible, leading to resilient communities.