WOMEN IN RURAL COMMUNITIES THRIVING THROUGH AGROECOLOGY

Meet Winnet, a dedicated smallholder farmer in Nyanga Rural District Council, who has transformed her livelihood through agroecology. With a history of struggling with low yields and poor soil health, Winnet's farm was barely providing for her family's needs. The financial burden of purchasing fertilizers and chemicals added to her woes.

Everything changed when Winnet received training in agroecology, offered by Basilwizi Trust and ActionAid Zimbabwe, aimed to improve crop productivity. She learned sustainable farming practices that prioritized soil health, biodiversity, and climate resilience. By adopting these methods, she witnessed a remarkable improvement in her garden's fertility and crop yields.

Winnet's farm is now thriving, with a diverse range of vegetables that have greatly enhanced her family's nutrition. She has achieved this without spending a dime on fertilizers or pesticides. As Winnet proudly shares:

"I am so grateful for the Agroecology training I received... I have seen a significant improvement in my garden soil fertility and crop yield. I am now able to grow varieties of vegetables which has greatly improved our family's nutrition. The best part is I am not spending any money on fertilizers or pesticides because of the increased resilience to climate shocks. I am empowered to take control of my food production and future".

Winnet's story is a testament to the power of agroecology in empowering women farmers. By adopting sustainable practices, she is not only improved her family's well-being but also gained control over her food production and future. Her journey serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the potential for agroecology to drive positive change in rural communities.