Juliet Atonyo (54) is a smallholder farmer who specializes in growing traditional grains in Chimukoko Ward 3, Chanduuraya Village, Mudzi. She says ever since she started working with PELUM Zimbabwe partner, Community Technology Development Organisation (CTDO), she has been capacitated in seed storage and preservation which has boosted her homestead’s food security.
“As a farmer, I faced a huge challenge in storing traditional seeds at home. The lack of proper storage facilities meant that seeds were vulnerable to pests, such as rats and environmental factors that could lead to deterioration. This not only put our harvests at risk but also caused significant anxiety about my family’s food security,” she says.
Through capacity strengthening from CTDO, I now have a secure and reliable place to store my finger millet, sorghum and other traditional grain which helps me feel ready for the farming season. My household seed bank ensures that our seeds remain safe and viable, allowing and empowering me as a farmer to plan for the future with confidence and ensuring sustainability,” she adds.
Juliet says through community based awareness raising and advocacy on traditional foods led by how CTDO, farmers are now waking up to the importance of traditional foods.
“CTDO has truly empowered us by advocating for our right to seeds. With their support, we now understand the importance of preserving our culinary heritage and traditions, which are also vital for our food security. CTDO helped us realize that we can reclaim our rights over the food we grow, ensuring sustainability for future generations,” she says.
Juliet made these comments during a learning exchange visit and training organised by PELUM Zimbabwe in collaboration with CTDO in Mudzi district. Juliet went on to say that through Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB), farmers in her community have become more resilient and food secure because they are now growing food that is better suited to their community.
“Through CTDO’s comprehensive training programs, we have learned about Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) techniques. This knowledge has empowered us to grow crops that are specifically suited to our local environment and climatic conditions. With these skills, we can enhance our yields and secure our right to food, knowing that we are growing what is best for our families and communities,” she adds.
Another farmer from Mudzi District, Abigal Chimimba (64), says farmers in her community have benefitted immensely from the trainings about farmers’ rights to traditional seeds and foods.
“In the farmer field schools, we learn why it is essential to keep our traditional seeds, which are important for our culture and food security. We learn how to understand local rules and speak up for our needs, which helps us make better choices to keep our traditional foods and practices alive for the future,” she says
Nobleman Mafuratidze (40) the Project Coordinator at Community Technology Development Organisation emphasizes the vital work CTDO is doing to promote farmers rights to seed and food. “We believe that ensuring farmers rights to seeds is crucial for achieving food security and improving nutrition and when our farmers have their right to seeds, food security and nutrition are well covered,” says Nobleman.
