Margret Nyoni (53), a smallholder farmer from Ndlovu Community, Kachechete Ward 3 in Hwange District, is rebirthing a powerful legacy. She is leading a vibrant resurgence of traditional grains, reconnecting her community to the rich cultural heritage embedded in every seed and every meal.
To Margret, food is far more than sustenance. It is identity. It is memory. It is culture passed through generations. That is why she has made it her life’s work to revive the traditional grains of her ancestors and reawaken her community’s connection to what they eat and who they are.
Margret’s journey began in earnest in 2023, when she joined Igugu Trust, a member of PELUM Zimbabwe. The organization’s mission which is to promote local food systems, traditional grains, and ecological farming immediately resonated with Margret’s values and aspirations.
“Before I started working with Igugu Trust, I was heavily reliant on hybrid seeds neglecting our traditional seeds which give us food which is culturally appropriate and very healthy. I didn’t know anything about organic farming or seed saving, nor did I have knowledge on how our ancestors used to live and farm. Now, I am a very active advocate for traditional food and our traditional African grains,” she says.
Before this transformation, Margret primarily grew maize and hybrid crops using conventional methods. But something was missing. Her soil was depleted, her knowledge of indigenous practices was limited, and her connection to the roots of African agriculture felt distant.
That changed when she began engaging with other farmers through Igugu Trust. Their stories, knowledge, and practices lit a fire within her. Margret began to see that sustainable farming wasn’t just about food production but was a form of cultural restoration.
“From the time I joined Igugu Trust, my life has changed. I feel that our people need to learn that there is a relationship between our traditions, our culture and our food. Because of the knowledge I have received from Igugu Trust, I am able to confidently cultivate traditional grains and I have become an advocate for the consumption of traditional foods because they are culturally in sync with our ‘ubuntu’,” she says.
Margret’s efforts extend far beyond her own farm. Through seed saving – a practice once overlooked – she is helping to anchor cultural pride and food sovereignty in her community. Every seed she preserves tells a story, carries a lineage, and symbolizes resilience.
“Learning about seed saving has changed my life, now I can share what I’ve learned with others. This helps in building communities that are proud of our African culture and our identity,” she says.
Her impact has not gone unnoticed. Sibonokuhle Dube (38), Programmes Manager at Igugu Trust, sees Margret as a vital force within the agroecological movement.
“Margret is a very active member of our community. Her remarkable work in promoting traditional foods and their impact in our culture and community has been very instrumental in building a unified agroecology movement and conscious community,” she says.
Agricultural authorities also recognize Margret’s growing influence. Angina Chokunyanya (52), an Agricultural Technical Extension (AGRITEX) Officer, applauds her unwavering commitment.
“Margret’s dedication to promoting traditional grains is truly commendable. Her commitment to educating the community about the importance of our cultural heritage through food is making a significant impact, and by championing seed saving and traditional farming practices, she is fostering a sense of pride in our agricultural identity. Margret’s efforts are not only preserving our culture but also enhancing the health and nutrition of her community,” Angina says.
In a world rapidly losing touch with its roots, Margret Nyoni stands as a guardian of heritage and a beacon of food sovereignty. With every traditional seed sown, she is cultivating more than just crops—she is growing pride, health, and the future of her people.
