Importance of agroecology synergies emphasised at Shashe Agroecology Centre

Importance of agroecology synergies emphasised at Shashe Agroecology Centre

Peter Mudzingwa (29) a father of one and young farmer from Shashe Agreocology Centre is working with PELUM Zimbabwe partner, Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers’ Forum (ZIMSOFF) to promote sustainable and synergised agroecological practices in his community. Farmers in Shashe are encouraged to synergise their agroecological practices in their croplands for sustainability. Photo: Blessing Muwomo/PELUM Zimbabwe.

Peter Mudzingwa (29), a young farmer from Shashe, working with PELUM Zimbabwe partner, Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers’ Forum (ZIMSOFF), says farmers should make use of synergies in agroecology in order to promote sustainable agricultural production.

Peter made these remarks at a learning exchange visit held at Shashe where 58 farmers, Civil Society Organisation (CSO) representatives, and local leaders from over ten districts participated with the goal of learning from Agroecological practices in Shashe in order to strengthen their own practices.

In agroecological farming, we prioritize synergising natural elements to ensure a thriving ecosystem. Farmers here utilize agroforestry, livestock production, aquaculture, poultry, and crop cultivation in a connected manner. They feed livestock with waste from crops, use poultry manure to nourish fish, and irrigate vegetables with water from fish ponds,” says Peter.

Healthy ecosystems are crucial for growing healthy crops, and there is a mutually beneficial relationship between soil health and crop growth. Better soil leads to improved grass growth, benefiting livestock in return,” adds Peter.

The efforts at ZIMSOFF’s Shashe Agroecology Centre illustrate how synergy in agriculture can create sustainable, interconnected farming systems that enhance both productivity and environmental health.

Mercy Gava (30), a field officer working with the Towards Sustainable Use of Resources Organisation (TSURO) Trust, also emphasised the importance of utilising all elements in farming to ensure healthy soil and crops during the learning exchange visit at the ZIMSOFF Agroecology centre of excellence.

Mercy highlighted that the integration of agroecological principles at Shashe demonstrates the concept of synergy in practice.

All the households we visited apply the principle of synergy, which emphasizes the interactions and connections among different elements in farming,” explains Mercy.

Synergising the agricultural activities in Shashe aligns with the 13 principles of agroecology. According to Mercy, the aim is to create a resilient farming system where crops, livestock, and the environment work together.

Oliat Mavuramba (50), a farmer associated with ZIMSOFF says synergies will work if they are integrated support approaches.

 “Synergies can be fostered through practices like integrated pest management and agroforestry, as well as using livestock to enhance soil fertility. It also extends to the collaboration among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and NGO’s to facilitate positive change,” he says.

Share

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter