Phiri, who has transformed the lives of farmers in Zvishavane and elsewhere through his water conservation initiatives, said it was a tragedy that the land “reform” programme had benefitted people who did not have a proper approach to farming. He urged farmers to look after the land and feed it with regular water supplies.
“They must realise that the land needs to remain alive for the benefit of future generations. To help save the land, farmers have to guard against soil erosion and substitute chemicals with organic fertilisers,” said Phiri.
“Those who benefited from land redistribution have a serious obligation to conserve the top soil, because if you lose the top soil you lose life,” he said. Phiri called on farmers and other stakeholders to adopt innovative farming skills if ever Zimbabwe was to move forward.
According to Phiri, a renowned master in water harvesting and conservation initiatives, home grown land conservation methods were sure keys to farming success in regions four and five. His techniques include ‘Zephaniah’s two-metre wide contours’ that have transformed the lives of farmers in Zvishavane.
To save the soil from the run-off water, farmers were encouraged to harvest the water for present and future crop consumption. Every rainfall washes away some of the fertile top soil if farmers do not take adequate precautions.
In recognition of Phiri’s innovative water harvesting initiatives, a Trust formed in his honour came up with an annual award “Phiri Award for Farm and Food Innovators” which was launched in Harare on October 24. The award identifies ordinary farmers doing extraordinary things on the land to enhance food security among communities.
The first winners were Faiseni Pedzi of Chivi, Wilson Sithole of Chimanimani, William Gezani of Bumba, Chimanimani, Bouwas Mawara of Zvishavane and Pajuel Takura of Chikukwa on the border with Mozambique.
Post published in: Agriculture