4-H Zimbabwe

To ensure meaningful and sustainable youth participation in peace building, conflict transformation, leadership and national development processes in Zimbabwe, 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation established the Youth Council for Peace and Development (YCPD). The YCPD is aimed at addressing youth marginalisation and exclusion by empowering youth with decision making and leadership skills for meaningful participation in the country’s development.

Yesterday, we held a women climate change indaba whereby Agritex officers, women farmers and members from the local government discussed on a gendered approach to climate change adaptation. The participants raised the issues that they face when implementing climate smart agriculture. Agritex officers were responsive to the questions that were asked by the women farmers. Some of the recommendations that were suggested by the farmers were; the need to grow small grains, establishment of VBUs in each and every village, the need for diversity, the need to get inputs on time, irrigation and constant farmer field trainings. These recommendations will be drafted into a white paper that will be presented to the policy makers, to ensure women friendly climate change adaptation strategies.

4-H Zimbabwe held a Ward based training in Ward 24, Hurungwe West Constituency. The training was focused on crop, weed and pest management. The community farmers were also educated on the appropriate use of a knapsack sprayer when spraying chemicals on the crops. The organisation has encouraged community farmers to adopt the production of small grains as an adaptation strategy, considering the low rainfall in the area. It was a pleasure to witness the success of conservative farming (pfumvudza) from one of the community farmers in the area.

As a sustainability strategy, 4-H Zimbabwe conducted a refresher training of trainers, whereby 2 lead famers from each ward in the district were trained on crop, weed and pest management. The training is to ensure that there is continuation of climate smart agricultural practices in the district. The lead farmers are set to educate farmers from their respective wards. This follows a land preparation and TOTs training that was done on the 11th of October at the same location. The organisation handed over a knapsack and pesticide for Gogo Mafurirnwa, who was the host.

On this National Youth Day, let's recognize the vital role young people play in shaping Zimbabwe's future. Strengthening youth participation in inclusive national development and decision-making processes is crucial for the country's growth and prosperity. Together, let's build a brighter future for Zimbabwe, where young people are empowered to participate, contribute, and lead.

Did you know 💥 There is a nexus between Climate smart agriculture and peace. During pfumvudza/intwasa (conservative farming) land preparation, community members come together to dig holes, one field at a time. By working together, unity and harmony are promoted.

Youth engagement ensures that all the concerns of young people, their needs and aspirations are reflected in national policies and development agendas. These initiatives can also help to bridge social divides, promote inclusivity and foster a sense of national unity in the country. #peace #development #leadership

Progress ✨ This is one of our gardens in Chiwundura Rural District, where the community women farmers planted sugar beans a few weeks ago. We are pleased to be witnessing flourishing yields from the garden. #ClimateAction

During a training at Chitubu community garden in Chiwundura rural district where community members were educated on how to manage their crops, weeds and pests. The garden members are expecting a bumper harvest of the sugar beans they planted in their garden. Community gardening is proving to largely contribute to the social cohesion of the community members. These members work together and share the profits thus helping support local economic development and improving food security.

#forwomenbywomen These are women community farmers from Chiwundura Rural District digging blair toilets - an additional structure to their Nutrition Gardens. These toilets are essential for maintaining hygiene and cleanliness in the community gardens. Having accessible toilets can also encourage people to spend more time at the garden, fostering a sense of community.