Victor Mazorodze (30), is a smallholder youth farmer from Gutu, Ward 10, in Masvingo Province. Victor joined PELUM Zimbabwe member Chinyika Community Development Trust (CCDT) in 2024 seeking to improve his farming methods. Since Victor joined CCDT, he has incrementally dedicated his life to farming growing crops such as sorghum, maize, groundnuts, and Bambara nuts (nyimo).
Victor has participated in numerous programmes organized by PELUM Zimbabwe and CCDT, such as Integrated Land Use Design (ILUD), Holistic Land and Livestock Management (HLLM), exchange visits, and the district Good Seed and Food Festivals, which he says he has benefited immensely from.
Victor says participating in the decentralised district Good Seed and Food festivals has changed the way he looks at farming.
“Before I joined CCDT, my knowledge on traditional farming systems was limited. Our farming practices were heavily dependent on synthetic inputs, which often degraded soil health over time. After I learned about agroecology and attending the decentralised Seed and Food Festivals, my scope on farming has been transformed,” he says.
Victor shares how his farming activities have changed from what he has been doing before.
“My farming techniques have improved. I now practice crop diversity and grow different types of traditional grains. I also shifted from using synthetic inputs to organic which resonates with the healthy farming techniques we learn through our festivals. This has also helped me to engage more with my community,” he shares.
He says through his journey with CCDT, he has not only transformed his own farming practices but has also taken on the role of a community educator.
“I have managed to inspire the youth and the elderly on agroecology and the importance of traditional seeds and food because I am able to interact with them at platforms like the decentralised Good Seed and Food Festivals,” he says.
Rodney Zhombwe (40), Programs Coordinator for CCDT shares how Victor has become a success story in his community through his hard work.
“Victor is a very active youth in my community, working on various projects. He is currently focused on documenting the work being done in Chinyika. Additionally, he is leading a land regeneration project and seed saving in his community, and the community is testifying to his hard work and dedication to practicing agroecology,” he says.
The Agricultural Business Advisory Officer Charity Kwezani (51) working with CCDT shares how Victor is working with them in the communities.
“Working with Victor has been a truly enriching experience, his commitment to promoting agroecology in our communities is commendable. Victor’s passion and ability to engage with the community has fostered a collaborative spirit, leading to positive changes in agricultural practices,” says Charity.
