School showcases successful conservation farming program

Thembelihle Mhlanga 

Tshongokwe Primary School opened its doors to the community on Friday to showcase the impressive progress made through its conservation farming program. 

The school’s field event highlighted its thriving goat and pig rearing initiatives, as well as its productive vegetable gardens.

 “We are delighted to be the beneficiaries of such an impactful program,” remarked Sibongumusa Sibanda, the Chairperson of the School Development Committee. “As a school, we are committed to maintaining our status as a hub of agricultural innovation and productivity.”

The school’s conservation farming activities, which commenced two years ago with support from Elders Without Borders (EWB), a local development organization, have transformed the campus into a model of sustainable food production. In addition to the livestock operations, the school’s gardens are flourishing, with thriving crops of tomatoes, rodade, and other vegetables.

Mxolisi Charles Sibanda, Member of Parliament for Lupane West, praised the school’s efforts. “Tshongokwe Primary has displayed an excellent initiative, and they should be commended for maintaining this impressive status quo,” he said. “I challenge the community and the school to continue working hard to build upon this progress and good production.” Sibanda emphasized the importance of farming and agricultural dedication in the region. “Farming requires a great deal of focus and determination,” he noted. “The students and community of Tshongokwe have demonstrated that with the right mindset and support, they can achieve remarkable success in this domain.”

Charles Ndiweni, the Lupane District Schools Inspector, also attended the event and commended the school and community for their outstanding work. “Tshongokwe Primary School has truly excelled in implementing this conservation farming program,” he said. “The students, teachers, and broader community should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.”

Israel Nkomo, an official for CYVAT, the organization funded by EWB to facilitate the implementation of the project, said the initiative was designed as a climate change mitigation measure. “We have put up this project for Tshongokwe and other schools to encourage conservation or ‘smart’ agriculture, which can help communities avoid the low yields associated with traditional farming methods,” he explained.

Nkomo noted that out of the participating schools, including Ndlovu, AMR, and Mzola 27 Primary School, Tshongokwe Primary had emerged as the standout performer. “Tshongokwe has really taken this program to heart and shown what can be achieved through dedication to conservation farming,” he said.

The field day provided an opportunity for the school to showcase its achievements to local leaders, parents, and the wider community. Visitors were able to tour the gardens, observe the livestock operations, and engage with the students and teachers involved in the program.”This is more than just a school project – it’s a true community effort,” said Sibanda. “The support and participation of parents, local organizations, and government officials have been instrumental in our success.”

The conservation farming program at Tshongokwe Primary School is part of a broader initiative by EWB and CYVAT to promote sustainable agriculture and food security in the Lupane district. By empowering students and the community to engage in environmentally-friendly farming practices, the program aims to improve local livelihoods, enhance nutrition, and foster a greater appreciation for the natural world.

“We are incredibly proud of what our students have accomplished,” said Tshongokwe Primary School’s headmaster, Mr. Buthelezi. “This program has not only taught them valuable agricultural skills, but it has also instilled a sense of stewardship and responsibility for the land and their community.”

As the field day event drew to a close, the school community expressed their gratitude and commitment to continuing the momentum of their conservation farming success. “This is just the beginning,” said Sibanda. “We will continue to work tirelessly to maintain our status as a hub of agricultural innovation and to inspire other schools and communities to follow in our footsteps.”

The Tshongokwe Primary School field day has showcased the remarkable potential of conservation farming to transform rural communities in Zimbabwe. With the support of local leaders, Elders Without Borders and CYVAT, and the unwavering dedication of the school and its community, this program has the power to serve as a model for sustainable agricultural development across the region.