Transforming Lives Through Agroecology: Shupikai Munda's Journey

As the Nkayi Local Rights Programme (LRP), which began in 2009, officially phases out in 2025, Shupikayi Munda, a 45-year-old widow and member of the Rural Women Assembly (RWA) in Nkayi, shares her powerful testimony.

Nyanga Local Rights Programme (LRP) was a long-term development programme funded through child sponsorship. In partnership with Health Education and Food Organisation (HEFO), the programme empowered over 21,000 through agroecology, women's economic empowerment, and community-led disaster reduction.

After the passing of her husband, Shupikayi struggled to feed her family, facing the challenges of farming without cattle to plough with the first rains. Her life took a transformative turn when she joined ActionAid Zimbabwe and its partner Health, Education and Food Organisation (HEFO) for agroecology training in 2010. This training equipped her with essential knowledge about sustainable farming practices, finally allowing her to address issues of food security.

I used to think farming was just about planting and harvesting, but the training opened my eyes. It’s about understanding the ecosystem,she recalls.

 Through the program, she learned about soil health, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable practices like crop rotation and organic pest control. A pivotal moment was her introduction to composting. 

I was sceptical at first, but seeing my soil improve dramatically was life changing. My yields have doubled since then!

Shupikayi’s commitment to agroecology did not go unnoticed. Neighbours sought her advice, prompting her to host field days.

 Agroecology is not just for me; it can uplift our entire community,” she asserts. 

Despite the harsh impacts of climate change, she now feels equipped to handle these challenges. 

Before the training, I often lost crops to drought and pests. Now, I have planted indigenous varieties that are more resilient.

She implements water conservation techniques learned during training, such as rainwater harvesting and mulching, which save water and improve soil fertility.

In addition to transforming her own farm, Shupikayi has emerged as a community leader. 

Now, I can stand for other women in terms of their rights. I’ve become a foster parent in the community, supporting children facing various abuses, she shares. 

Committed to sharing her knowledge, she has created groups of about 50 women whom she teaches about agroecology and empowerment, both physically and through WhatsApp channels.

Together, we can promote sustainable agriculture and food security. Agroecology has changed my life, and I’m committed to changing others’ lives too, she states firmly.

Shupikayi's resilience and leadership, underscore the lasting impact of agroecology training on her life and community.