Lloyd Ruvengo (34), a smallholder farmer from Mwenezi District Ward 8 works with two PELUM Zimbabwe member organisations, Mwenezi Development Training Center (MDTC) and Schools and Colleges Permaculture (SCOPE) Zimbabwe. Lloyd joined MDTC in 2022 where he started focusing on growing traditional grains, seeds, herbs, and natural spices. He also began engaging in value addition and making organic medicinal remedies.
Before becoming involved with these organizations, Lloyd relied on purchasing synthetic fertilizers and chemicals for his farming and had no source of income, as well as no knowledge about traditional grains.
“Before I joined MDTC, I had little understanding of the different varieties of small grains. I also bought seeds from the shops and grew maize and sorghum only during the rainy seasons. I had no full knowledge about the diversity of crops, no idea on how to do value addition, and no source of income,” he says.
Lloyd says his farming practices have changed since joining and working with MDTC and SCOPE Zimbabwe.
“Since I started working with these organizations, I no longer buy seeds from the shops. I am now able to save seeds from my farm and multiply them for future planting. I now practice crop diversity with different types of traditional grains. I am now actively saving and multiplying seeds, ensuring I have a reliable and diverse crop each season,” he explains.
He says he has transcended traditional farming and now earns a living by adding value to produce from his farm through agroecology.
“I save my own seeds and create products like jam from hibiscus, dried fruits, porridge flour, and even my own herbs, spices and medicinal remedies. By engaging in value addition, I am not only improving my income but also promoting sustainable practices in my community,” he says.
The impact on his community has been meaningful, Lloyd has managed to share knowledge about seed production, seed selection, and seed storage in his community.
“I have managed to share knowledge on seeds with other farmers in my community empowering everyone to enhance their harvests. This year I managed to exhibit at the National Good Seed and Food Festival showcasing the various traditional grains, herbs and medicines that I have been making from my farming activities,” he says.
He adds that one of the greatest benefits he has experienced since embracing agroecology is income generation. Farming has become foundational, providing sustenance for his family and a steady source of income.
“I now depend on my farm. I have learned to cultivate my crops in a way that nourishes both the soil and makes our land fertile. Our health as a family has changed significantly because of the variety of traditional foods we are now eating at home,” he says.
According to Lloyd, attending the Good Seed and Food Festivals has benefited him – both as a farmer and as an entrepreneur.
“Through attending the festivals, I gained valuable networking opportunities. I got to meet new people and connect with like-minded individuals. I had the chance to showcase and sell my products and earn significant income during the exhibitions. People got to buy from my exhibition stand, and others provided valuable insights and ideas for my business. I also get to exchange ideas with other farmers and entrepreneurs through this exhibition,” he explains.
This, he says, has given him renewed purpose as he is now able to effectively harness the transformative power of agroecology.
Precious Matsheza (57) a fellow farmer from MDTC, shares how Lloyd is motivating other farmers.
“I have worked with Lloyd for a long time. He has helped the community learn how to earn a living through farming, and he has brought change among many youths in our community. He has motivated many to start small businesses selling value added products, and a lot of farmers are now earning a living through this,” she says.
The Agricultural Business Advisory Officer working with MDTC, Sethukile Dube (53), explains how Lloyd has impacted his community’s knowledge about seeds and how it has changed the lives of farmers.
“Lloyd has facilitated numerous training sessions in his community, teaching farmers about seed selection, seed saving, value addition and seed multiplication. This has helped a lot of farmers working with MDTC. His exhibition at the National Good Seed and Food Festival will be a huge motivation to other farmers like him.” she says.
