Bulilima, Matobo turn to small grains to beat drought

Communities in the drought-prone Matabeleland South districts of Bulilima and Matobo have adopted climate-resilient small grains farming methods to mitigate persistent food insecurity, with early indications showing positive results. For many years, Matabeleland South has experienced recurring droughts that have led to serious food shortages, forcing donors to regularly distribute food aid. However, not everyone affected has benefited from these food hampers.

In response to these long-standing challenges, farmers in Bulilima and Matobo, with support from climate-resilience focused non-governmental organisation Sisonke Working Together Trust, have shifted towards growing small grains that are more tolerant to harsh climatic conditions. Meli Tshuma (59), a father of four from Tokwana area in Bulilima Ward 4 under Chief Masendu, is among farmers who say the shift has improved household food security and provided income through the sale of surplus produce. Tshuma, who is now chairperson of the Farmer Field School in the area, said he previously relied on maize but suffered repeated crop failures.

“I attended a look-and-learn field day at Mfazo Tshuma’s farm and realised that small grains were the only option to ensure food security for my family and community,” he said. “After seeing what Mfazo and other farmers were doing, I shifted from maize to traditional small grains. This year I have put more hectares under small grains as an adaptation measure.

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Small grains recover very fast from mid-season droughts.” Another farmer, Sinikiwe Ngwenya of Ward 3 in Matobo district and chairperson of Gohole Farmer Field School, encouraged farmers across Matabeleland to embrace climate-resilient small grains. “Small grains will never disappoint as long as you tend them well. I urge farmers to grow these crops so they can ensure food security for their families and communities,” she said. Ngwenya is also a climate-change ambassador who teaches pupils at Gohole Primary School about environmental stewardship.

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