In a joint effort to enhance food security in Zimbabwe, the UK, in partnership with the Government of Zimbabwe, has funded a training program for Agritex officers in conservation agriculture techniques called “Pfumvudza.” The vital program, is aimed at enhancing resilience against climate change and recurrent droughts, is part of a US$7.2 million package dedicated to bolstering food security and resilience in Zimbabwe.
Since May, 1,300 Agritex officers have undergone intensive training on Pfumvudza 4 method, a conservation agriculture model carried out by Foundations for Farming. Scheduled to conclude by mid-August, this training equips officers with the knowledge and skills to train local farmers, who will educate others in their communities. This training program is anticipated to have a considerable impact on agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe.
Pfumvudza 4 model is built around cultivating four 1/16 hectare Pfumvudza plots, enough to support a family for a year. Foundations for Farming introduced the original Pfumvudza model in 2011, and it was later adopted by the Zimbabwean government in 2020. The model emphasizes drought-resistant farming techniques, ensuring high productivity with minimal water usage.
The partnership effort between the UK and Zimbabwe government represents a significant step towards future-proofing food security in the country. The program not only aims to mitigate the effects of climate change but also to ensure long-term food security for Zimbabweans.
As the trained Agritex officers pass on their knowledge to farmers across the country, the impact of Pfumvudza 4 will be felt for years to come, fostering resilience and prosperity in the country’s agricultural sector.