For many young farmers, agroecology is more than just a method of farming—it is a pathway to self-reliance, sustainability, and community development. Through exchange visits, farmers are not only acquiring new skills but also redefining their roles in their communities.
Nomatter Mubhawu (32), a farmer and programme officer with Chinyika Community Development Trust (CCDT), is one of the many who have seen their lives transformed through these learning experiences. Having attended multiple exchange visits facilitated by Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe, she credits these opportunities for expanding her knowledge far beyond what she learned through conventional education.
“Through PELUM Zimbabwe, I have participated in many exchange visits and this is where I learn more about agroecology. Before I started participating in exchange visits, I used to have limited knowledge about farming, knowledge which I had attained through conventional education,” she says.
During the recent visit to the PORET Centre in Chaseyama, Chimanimani, Nomatter was particularly fascinated by innovative agroecological techniques.
“In this particular exchange visit, I learned how to use a solar drier during food processing and was excited to know that these can work even during rainy weather. I also gained knowledge on mushroom production and realized it is an easy project that can generate quick income,” she shares.
Beyond technical skills, Nomatter was struck by the importance of fostering strong relationships within local communities. Seeing first-hand the impact of effective water harvesting interventions at PORET Centre, she reflected on the value of community-driven initiatives.
“I have learned how important it is to establish good relations with the community, especially these ones I am seeing as a result of effective water harvesting interventions being coordinated by PORET in Chimanimani,” she says.
The exchange visit was also a moment of realization for Memory Musakara (24), Communications Officer for Green Hut Trust, who was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of young farmers in Chaseyama.
“I learned about water harvesting, seed banking, value addition, small-scale livestock production, and mushroom farming among other initiatives. What stood out for me is that agroecology is not just about farming but the role that youths in this area are playing in the community as compared to other communities,” says Memory.
She emphasized the hands-on nature of exchange visits, which allow participants to see sustainable farming in action, share ideas, and implement new strategies in their own work.
“I’m starting to appreciate exchange visits because I get to see things in practice, cross-pollinate ideas, and gain practical knowledge that will enhance my organization’s work,” she explains.
Nomatter also observed an encouraging shift—more young people are getting involved in agroecology than ever before.
“This time, I was excited to see more youthful farmers than before, showing that more youths are becoming involved and interested in agroecology,” she says.
The importance of these visits is widely recognized. Blessing Chamudondo (53), PORET Programmes Manager, sees them as a key tool in strengthening partnerships and inspiring the next generation of farmers.
“These visits provide us with valuable feedback and motivate youth to engage more in agroecology, making a great impact in their communities,” says Blessing.
The recent three-day Look and Learn Visit at the PORET Centre was part of a broader effort by PELUM Zimbabwe, in partnership with Participatory Organic Research and Extension Training (PORET), to expose young farmers and agroecology advocates to different agroecological practices in Chaseyama. More than just a learning exercise, the exchange visit was a catalyst for change—one that is shaping a new wave of young agroecology champions across Zimbabwe.
