With a barren and rocky piece of land regarded by the community as unsuitable for farming, Sithole defied the odds and laboured for years breaking down the huge stones to pave way for water tunnels.
Using his scarce resources he bought truckloads of firewood from a nearby timber estate and gradually broke up the rocks at his plot, turning them into contours. Despite neighbours discouraging him he remained determined for 20 years.
He would fetch fertile soil and other organic manure from surrounding villages and bushes for his project. In between he the contour ditches he planted bananas, pineapples and citrus trees. He first benefitted from his sweat and determination in 1996, and his bananas now produce 480kg every month. He has since become a Resource Farmer imparting knowledge to some 20 farmers. He also mentors 12 other farmers through the Tsime Project.
“Mentoring communities is one of the sure ways of sustainable innovative farming in rural parts of the country. I desire to see a Zimbabwe driven by innovative farmers turning barren land into the base of sustainable national food security,” Sithole said, citing determination as key to successful farming.
He said farmers should be dedicated and innovative to turn challenges posed by the land into opportunities. Unlike other professions, Sithole noted, farming was a combined effort where team work was a prerequisite. He believes the land should be fully utilised for the benefit of the nation. Through his generosity, thousands of people in surrounding villages and elsewhere feed on his knowledge and the produce of his labours.
Sithole is now a regular supplier of citrus fruit to the local community and the Mbare Market in Harare. Hewas recently nominated among Zimbabwe’s top four successful innovative grassroots farmers.
Post published in: News