In 2007 he was introduced to conservation farming by Environment Africa and, with 2kg of seed, starting growing sorghum and millet. The success of his small grains was rewarded at the recent Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, where he won 1st prize for his sorghum. He is a ‘champion’ farmer in the district and, through another of Environment Africa’s initiatives, started a club to teach other farmers conservation farming.
Over 30 members now meet monthly to share information and resources, including seed. The area received exceptionally low rainfall last season, but the resilience and success of growing small grains ensures that Ndlovu will still harvest a crop to feed his family through to the next season, with surplus to sell.
He also started beekeeping in 2009 with traditional hives carved from tree trunks. Since Environment Africa introduced Kenyan top bee hives and training in 2010, he is now able to construct his own hives without having to cut down trees and has doubled his yield of honey.
The bees wax is also used to make candles and floor polish. Ndlovu says his family has improved tis nutrition intake significantly as the children eat healthy ground sorghum and millet sweetened with honey. His homestead also produces fruit and vegetables and he has just completed the digging of a well in his garden. – www.environmentafrica.org
Post published in: Environment