By Sheunesu Njeke
In the heart of Shaka Village, Ward 13 of Bikita District, a quiet revolution is taking place. At its helm is 33-year-old Piason Masuka, a young farmer who has turned a three-hectare plot into a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Through a creative combination of organic cabbage farming and poultry production, Piason is redefining what it means to thrive in agriculture.
His journey began in 2018, cultivating cabbage using conventional farming techniques. Like many farmers in Zimbabwe, Piason struggled with the rising cost of synthetic fertilizers. By 2020, he knew he had to make a change.
“I was spending too much on synthetic fertilizers, and it was becoming unsustainable,” Piason recalls. “In January 2020, I decided to switch to agroecology. The results have been incredible.”
The transition not only boosted his crop yields but also brought unexpected health benefits for his family.
“Since I went organic, my profits have increased, and my family is healthier. I no longer have to worry about the harmful effects of synthetic chemicals,” he shares.
Piason’s success lies in his integrated farming system, where his poultry and cabbage projects thrive symbiotically.
“My poultry project is closely linked to my cabbage farming. I use poultry droppings to feed the cabbage, and the cabbage leaves provide feed for my chickens,” he explains.
This sustainable approach has drastically reduced costs and minimized waste, setting Piason apart as a trailblazer in his community. His work has earned admiration from local leaders and agricultural authorities alike.
“Piason is setting an example for other youth in our community,” says Tinashe Shaka, the 66-year-old village head. “He is not only improving his own living standards but also raising the standard of living for everyone in the village. We need more young people like him who are willing to take risks and innovate.”
Masiline Rowai, a 36-year-old Agricultural Technical Extension (AGRITEX) officer, commends Piason’s approach.
“His methods are helping reduce the burden of distributing presidential farming inputs, as more farmers are now embracing organic methods. His success proves that organic farming is not only sustainable but also profitable,” she says.
As Piason’s farm flourishes, he has become a mentor and source of inspiration for young people in the area. His message is one of hope and determination.
“If we embrace sustainable methods like organic farming, we can not only protect our environment but also create long-term economic opportunities,” Piason emphasizes.
Looking ahead, Piason is focused on expansion. He has already begun training farmers in Shaka Village, sharing the benefits of integrating livestock and crop farming. His goal? To see a new generation of farmers transforming their communities through innovation and sustainability.
Piason Masuka is not just a farmer; he is a change-maker sowing seeds of hope for a brighter, greener future.
