For most resettled farmers in Murambinda, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly impossible to ignore.
In this drought-prone region of south-eastern Zimbabwe, erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and periodic dry spells have made traditional farming practices increasingly unsustainable.
Confronted with these new climate realities, the farmers of Murambinda are being forced to adapt their methods in order to ensure food security and economic stability for their families.
As a result, many are turning to drought-resistant crop varieties, implementing water harvesting techniques, and experimenting with innovative irrigation systems.
For 42-year-old resettled farmer, Alice Chawagarira, it has become very difficult for her to plan following the change in climate.
In one year they are able to get enough rains for her to fend for her family and in others she feels like just giving up because of the poor rains.
The Government through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development is encouraging farmers to grow crops that are suitable for their agro-ecological regions. “The weather just isn’t reliable like it used to be.
Some years, we get hardly any rain at all, and then other years we have floods that destroy our crops. It’s becoming really difficult to plan and know when to plant,” she said.
Murambinda District Agritex Officer, Alex Mutodi, called on all communal farmers in the district to adhere to the principle of grow traditional grain crops.
“We have had to completely rethink the way we farm. The old ways of doing things just aren’t viable anymore with the changes we’re seeing in the climate. Our way of life is changing, there’s no doubt about that, but if anyone who must adapt, it’s these farmers. They are tough, they are creative, and they are committed to making it work no matter what Mother Nature throws at them.”
One farmer who has found success in adapting is Takawira Mujiri, who after several years of crop failures due to erratic rainfall, decided to transition to growing sorghum and millet.
“The maize just wasn’t working anymore, but the sorghum and millet have been much more reliable, even in the dry spells. I’m able to feed my family and still have a surplus to sell at the market.” Beyond switching to drought tolerant crops, many Buhera farmers are also investing in water harvesting infrastructure like small dams and rainwater catchment systems.
This has helped provide a more consistent water supply for irrigation, even during the region’s increasingly frequent dry periods. “The dams have been a game changer for us.
We used to be at the mercy of the rains, but now we can water our fields even when it’s not raining. It has made a huge difference in our yields,” he said. While the adjustment to climate change has not been easy, the resilience and innovation of Murambinda resettled farming community offers hope for the future.
By embracing sustainable agricultural practices, these determined farmers are charting a path forward in the face of a rapidly shifting climate.
Farmers in this region are being encourage to shift from commercial maize to drought resistance crops and invest heavily on water harvesting technology through the indigenous knowledge system which proved to be helpful.
The situation calls for action from the responsibility authorities to intervene and teach farmers these new method and awareness as many household are surviving on Government food aide .
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