By Elvis Dumba
Mwenezi — In the drought-prone district of Mwenezi, Zimbabwe, farmers are fighting an uphill battle against unpredictable rainfall and dwindling agricultural yields.
Climate change has rendered traditional farming methods unreliable, forcing smallholder farmers to seek innovative solutions.
For Chizivano Shava, a lead farmer in the Climate Resilient Livelihoods (CRL) project, innovation is not just an option. It’s a necessity.
“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.
Shava’s story is a testament to the transformative power of smart water management and sustainable farming practices.
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, contour trenching, and infiltration pits to maximize water retention, as well as drought-resistant crops and organic mulching to protect soil moisture.
“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,” says Patience Mazanhi, Shava’s wife, 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.
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.
“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 utilizes 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.
The project has established 230 Farmer Field Schools across the 15 districts it’s being implemented in, and in 2024, 54,284 rain-fed hectares exhibited water harvesting and climate-resilient water management measures.
Beyond supporting rain-fed 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.
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