Together with her husband and their two children, Florence Taimbirei, a 40-year-old farmer in Goromonzi district, is transforming her life, family and community through agroecological groundnut production.
Florence says she has been farming with her family since 2014, cultivating groundnuts on a small portion of their land just for family consumption.
However, through the support of PELUM Zimbabwe member, Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre (FPC) and the need for her family to find another source of income after her husband left work, they expanded their production and began applying agroecology.
“The idea to grow groundnuts came about last year when my husband resigned from work, and we needed a source of income. Clearing the land was a family effort. We prepared the soil using cow and chicken manure to enhance fertility,” she says.
“Within only two weeks of good rain, the groundnuts were thriving—this was my first success. I credit this success to agroecology which I have been learning from FPC,” she adds.
From November 2023 to February 2024, Florence says she sold her fresh groundnuts at local markets, pricing them at USD1 per plate and USD10 per bucket. She says her efforts yielded USD750 from just one acre, with two more acres ready for market after drying.
Currently, Florence says she is processing half a ton of dried groundnuts into peanut butter, which she sells to local schools and community members for USD1 per 500 grams bottle every Saturday.
“With the profit I made from selling my groundnuts, I bought a machine to produce peanut butter, making the process more efficient and profitable. I noticed that I would make more money through value addition,” explains Florence.
Florence’s success is sparking interest among fellow villagers, with many expressing intentions to start their own groundnut projects next year.
“Most villagers come to me to seek knowledge on growing a successful business. If all goes well, I plan to expand my production and not only serve my community but also increase my income and help others,” she adds.
Community support for Taimbirei is evident. Mthandazo Moyo (56), the local village head, praised her achievements.
“Florence has done something remarkable for our village. I believe she will be recognized as a community hero,” he says.
Tonny Mazadza (30), the local Agricultural Technical Extension (AGRITEX) Officer working with Florence says Florence is a dedicated farmer who beat the odds of poor rains and has shown that agroecology is a sustainable agricultural intervention which should be promoted.
“Florence is a cooperative farmer who follows guidance diligently. Her resilience in agroecology has encouraged other farmers in our community. We will continue to support her as she proves her potential and we will continue to encourage other farmers to learn from her,” says Tonny.
Florence’s journey serves as a powerful example for aspiring farmers, particularly women, in the region. Her story highlights the potential for agroecology in fostering financial independence and community resilience.