Tinashe Jinga (42), a dedicated agroecology farmer from Jinga Village in Chimanimani’s Ward 3 under Chief Mutambara, is blending traditional knowledge with modern practices to tackle today’s farming challenges. Working closely with the Participatory Organic Research and Extension Training (PORET) Trust, a member of PELUM Zimbabwe, Tinashe is at the forefront of using ecological solutions rooted in tradition.

In February 2024, Tinashe joined 60 other small-scale farmers from across Zimbabwe for a learning exchange under the PELUM Zimbabwe coordinated joint initiative to regenerate the resilience of landscapes through Holistic Land and Livestock Management (HLLM).

“During the exchange visit in Chinyika, we learned about traditional medicines for livestock. These exchanges are incredibly important to us because they allow us to share knowledge and learn how to utilize our natural and traditional remedies, rather than relying solely on medications we purchase from shops,” says Tinashe.

The experience was eye-opening for him.

“I gained knowledge about some trees that I had known but had no idea they were used as medicines for livestock. I had little knowledge of traditional medicines and the different types of trees and plants to use. During the exchange visit, we were given information and knowledge on how to use other trees and medicines that we did not know were effective,” he explains.

Since the training, Tinashe has been putting what he learned into practice.

“As a farmer belonging to a community group engaged in collective herding, I have also used traditional medicines for my livestock together with other farmers in my community. Earlier this year, our livestock faced challenges when they were affected by a disease called bovine scours. We prepared the traditional medicines the way we had been taught at Chinyika and it worked perfectly,” he says.

Back home, he didn’t keep the knowledge to himself. He quickly shared the remedies with fellow farmers and elders.

“We held a ward assembly with stakeholders and elder community members, who shared valuable insights on traditional medicines. One elder prepared a powdered medicine from the  Murungahonye (Casina Abreviata) tree, known for its effectiveness in treating wounds and expelling worms from livestock. This traditional remedy promotes faster healing, making it a vital resource for animal care,” he adds.

Tinashe strongly believes in the power of traditional approaches.

“We discovered that our livestock respond faster to our traditional medicines than to the medicines we used to buy in shops. Traditional medicine is much more effective than the ones we buy in shops,” he says.

Shean Mukocheya Simango (51), founder of Ziva Kwakabva Trust, agrees. She believes early adoption of traditional medicine is key to success.

“It is very important to start giving livestock medicines when they are still young. It is encouraged to incorporate traditional medicine application in the feeding of livestock in order for there to be efficacy and effectiveness of the medicine,” she says.

Shean highlights a few local remedies with proven benefits for both animals and humans.

“Mufandichimuka (Myrothammus flabellifolia) boosts immunity, detoxifies, and treats worms, while Murunjurunju (Cissus quadrangularis) is used for faster wound healing by crushing the leaves and applying them. Additionally, charcoal is effective for treating animals that have ingested poison,” she explains.

Viyani Ndlovu (46), a training consultant and facilitator with the Africa Centre for Holistic Management (ACHM), brings both local and international experience to the conversation. He has seen traditional remedies work well in many contexts.

“In holistic livestock management, we use traditional medicines to assist animals for example, by grinding the leaves or tubers of Kunzani (Cussonia spicata) and mixing them with water, we can quickly help livestock recover from birth complications,” he says.

Still, Viyani acknowledges the need for modern medicines.

“We have encountered certain diseases, such as lumpy skin disease, that cannot be entirely treated with traditional remedies. These diseases require veterinary support. While traditional remedies offer relief, full medical support by trained professionals is required,” he notes.

Through farmers like Tinashe and experts like Shean and Vean, traditional animal remedies are gaining renewed respect not only for their effectiveness but also for their deep roots in indigenous knowledge. In a world grappling with rising costs and chemical overload, their experiences are lighting a path forward.