Bishop Chisora (58), is a passionate smallholder farmer from Mwenezi District under Ward 7, Chief Neshuro. Bishop works with Mwenezi Development Training Center (MDTC), a PELUM Zimbabwe member organisation. He is a smallholder farmer who particularly grows traditional grains such as sorghum, pearl millet, and finger millet. Bishop started working with MDTC in 2021 and he says before that, he used to focus on conventional farming methods which was not sustainable.
“Before I joined MDTC in 2021, I did not specialize in growing traditional grains. My main focus was primarily on growing maize and other cash crops, and I also used to depend on synthetic fertilisers and hybrid seeds for my farming,” he says.
Bishop says his way of farming has changed since he joined MDTC as he has shifted from using synthetic fertilizers to organic fertilisers.
“After I joined MDTC I started focusing on sustainable ways of farming which are hinged on incorporating traditional ecological knowledge systems in our farming. I am now specializing in producing traditional grains like sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet which has changed my way of living as I no longer buy seeds and fertilisers for farming as I used to.” shares Bishop.
Bishop says growing traditional grains has changed his way of living and he is now depending and getting his source income from growing traditional grains.
“I now produce 3 to 4 tones of traditional grains from my harvests. Through growing traditional grains, I earn a lot of money. This has enabled me to develop my homestead through proceeds from selling different varieties of traditional grains. I have become an independent person who takes care of his family without any hindrances because of the income I get from cultivating traditional grains,” he says.
Bishop, a member of a seed saving group in his ward, says collaborative efforts by group members have enabled his community to build resilience and sustainability as a result of making use of their community seed bank which stores traditional seed.
“As a community we have managed to put up a community seed bank in our area which for now is at my homestead where we have stored around 20 bags of different types of traditional seed as a community in Ward 7,” he says.
Precious Naison (40), a fellow farmer working with Bishop and MDTC acknowledges the work being done by the organisation in strengthening resilience and sustainable farming for farmers in Mwenezi district.
“MDTC has been a cornerstone of our growth, equipping us with vital skills and resources to enhance our farming practices. Their support in establishing nutritional gardens empowers us to grow healthy produce, allowing us to sell excess and feed our families. This initiative has strengthened our community, fostering collaboration and resilience among farmers in Mwenezi District,” she states.
Magomana Lilian (47), Agricultural Business Advisory Officer from Mwenezi district, shares a comment on Bishop as an exemplary farmer whose commitment to small grains and agroecology not only transforms his own livelihood but also inspires and uplifts others in the Mwenezi District.
“Bishop is well known for his remarkable ability to grow abundant harvests of traditional grains and he has set a high standard for sustainable farming in Mwenezi District. His dedication to cultivating traditional grains showcases the profound impact that agroecological practices can have on our food security and environmental health. Through his efforts, he is paving the way for a more sustainable future,” she shares.
Bishop Chisora’s story shows how powerful sustainable farming can be. By focusing on traditional grains and using organic methods, he has not only improved his harvests. His work in saving seeds brings local farmers together, proving that teamwork can make a big difference.
