In the heart of Mutidzawanda Village, Ward 3, a quiet revolution is taking place. It is not led by office-bearers or corporations but by a determined young woman who has defied the odds to carve out a sustainable and independent future.
Vimbikai Chamazhika (31) once survived on odd jobs—working in other people’s fields, cleaning homes, and doing whatever it took to make ends meet. But today, she stands as a testament to the power of resilience and knowledge, having built a thriving livelihood through small livestock farming.
Her journey took a pivotal turn in 2022 when she joined a Permaculture Design Course facilitated by Participatory Organic Research and Extension Training (PORET), a member of Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe. Alongside 80 other participants, she learned the principles of agroecology—knowledge that would change her life forever.
Inspired by the training, Vimbikai took a leap of faith into small livestock production. Today, she proudly owns 38 rabbits, 19 ducks, 15 turkeys, 60 indigenous chickens, and a few goats—a significant transformation from her humble beginnings.
“My projects have become the backbone of my family’s survival. From my humble beginnings working as a domestic worker, I managed to start my poultry and small livestock farming, which enabled me to expand my livestock significantly,” she says with pride.
Like many pioneers, her path was not without resistance. Her parents were skeptical at first, doubting that small-scale farming could provide a stable income. But as her livestock multiplied and the household prospered, their doubts turned into admiration.
“At first, my parents doubted my ideas, but now they fully support me. This work has brought harmony into our home,” she adds.
Her success has had a ripple effect beyond personal gain. The income from her poultry and livestock business has enabled her to pay school fees for her two younger siblings—one in primary school, the other in secondary school.
“I am now able to contribute and support my family’s needs through my projects. I was able to send my younger siblings to school, and they have also helped in constructing a three-room house for the family,” she says.
Vimbikai’s transformation has not gone unnoticed. Julious Piti (53), Director of PORET, has watched her rise with admiration.
“Her growth has been remarkable,” he says. “Her household’s food diversity has improved, and she has excelled in food processing, even mastering wine production from baobab and marula fruit. She has the potential to be a leading agro-entrepreneur.”
Her story is already inspiring other young farmers. Alisto Hanyani (28), who also works with PORET, says Vimbikai’s success has motivated him to dream bigger.
“Vimbikai has become a role model to me. I have seen her transform her livelihood through her successful enterprise in agroecology. Through her livestock projects, she is earning a good income, and I hope other youths will also learn from this,” he says.
Looking ahead, Vimbikai envisions a future where more young women take control of their destinies through self-reliance and sustainable farming.
“I want others to see that they don’t have to depend on anyone. There is power in self-reliance,” she declares.
Through her hard work and vision, Vimbikai is not just raising livestock—she is raising hope, dignity, and opportunity for herself and her community.
