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In the drought-prone district of Mwenezi, Zimbabwe, farmers battle unpredictable rainfall and dwindling agricultural yields. Climate change has made traditional farming methods unreliable, forcing smallholder farmers to seek new solutions. For Chizivano Shava, a lead farmer in the Climate Resilient Livelihoods (CRL) project, innovation is not just an option, it’s a necessity.
Supported by the Government of Zimbabwe, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the CRL project empowers vulnerable farming communities, especially women, to withstand the harsh realities of climate change. Shava’s story is a testament to how smart water management and sustainable farming can transform livelihoods.
A Climate-Proofed Homestead in the Heart of Drylands
At 61 years old, Chizivano Shava is more than a farmer he’s a lead farmer in the project, with follower farmers who learn from him. As the chairperson of the 156-hectare Pikinini Jawanda irrigation scheme, one of the largest in the region, he’s demonstrating how innovation can overcome adversity.
A visit to his homestead reveals a well-orchestrated water management system. Trenches guide runoff into a small weir behind his home, ensuring water is not wasted. Two massive water storage tanks one holding 90,000 litres and another 40,000 litres stand proudly, providing a lifeline for both farming and daily life. His thriving small grain fields contrast sharply with the typically arid Mwenezi landscape, a powerful testament to the effectiveness of his techniques.
Shava’s secret to success lies in a combination of rainwater capture systems using PVC gutters and large tanks, contour trenching and infiltration pits to maximise water retention and drought-resistant crops and organic mulching to protect soil moisture.
“I use multiple techniques to get the best results. If I struggle with yields, then no one else in this community will do better,” Shava confidently states.
His wife, Patience Mazanhi, shares how their water reserves have transformed daily life: “I no longer walk long distances to fetch water. I have enough for my household chores, our garden, and even to help others during dry spells,” she says with a smile.
With ample water supply, Patience cultivates a vegetable garden, while their goats and pigs’ benefit from consistent hydration, securing both food and income for the family.
Science Meets Tradition: The Power of Smart Agriculture
Shava’s farming techniques are guided by research and practical experience.
Intercropping where crops like sorghum and sugar beans grow together has significantly improved soil fertility and moisture retention. Intercropping can also lead to better use of resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, as different crops utilize these resources at different times and depths.
“Look at my sorghum field,” Shava says, pointing to two sections. “The part intercropped with sugar beans is much richer and healthier than the other side.”
This hands-on experimentation is encouraged by the CRL project, which utilises the Farmer Field school concept, training farmers in moisture conservation and empowering them to make informed choices.
“We don’t dictate methods. Instead, we teach farmers to experiment and observe what works best for them,” explains Jonah Bukuvani, an Agriculture Extension Officer in Mwenezi Ward 4.
Shava’s rainwater capture system is a prime example of tailored, data-driven innovation. His PVC gutter system channels water into storage tanks, with overflow redirected into additional reserves. A pump and taps provide easy access, ensuring a steady water supply for at least eight months.
The project has established 230 Farmer Field Schools across the 15 districts it’s being implemented in 2024, and 54,284 rain-fed hectares are exhibiting water harvesting and climate-resilient water management measures.
Scaling Up: Climate-Proofing Agriculture for the Future
Beyond supporting rainfed farmers in Farmer Field Schools, the CRL project is revolutionizing farming across the region. Seven irrigation schemes covering 527ha have been climate-proofed, transitioning from water-wasting canal systems to efficient pivot and sprinkler irrigation.
These advancements are helping smallholder farmers thrive in an otherwise unforgiving environment. By combining local knowledge with climate-smart solutions, the CRL project is proving that even in the driest regions, agriculture can not only survive but flourish.
Chizivano Shava’s success is more than just his own; it’s an inspiration for a new generation of climate-resilient farmers.
SOURCE: UNDP ZIMBABWE
