Goromonzi, Zimbabwe – May 17, 2023: In the remote village of Cheza, nestled in Zimbabwe’s Goromonzi district, a groundbreaking study has shed light on an often overlooked source of food security and sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers - home gardens.
Led by researcher Reason Rumbidzai, the study aimed to understand the role of these micro-scale agricultural enterprises and their impact on the well-being of local communities.
Motivated by the pressing need to address food and nutrition security challenges in the region, Rumbidzai delved into the socio-economic and biophysical factors affecting home gardens. Astonishingly, it was found that approximately one-third of smallholder farmers in the area relied on these gardens for their sustenance, despite their unrecognized status.
Exact data on the number of home gardens in Zimbabwe is not readily available. However, home gardens are a common practice in rural and urban areas throughout the country. Many households, particularly smallholder farmers, engage in home gardening as a means of supplementing their food supply and generating income. The prevalence of home gardens in Zimbabwe is influenced by various factors, including cultural traditions, economic conditions, and access to land and resources.
Zimbabwe has experienced significant challenges related to food insecurity in recent years. The extensity of food insecurity in the country has been influenced by several factors, including droughts, economic instability, political instability, and limited access to resources. These factors have resulted in fluctuating levels of food availability and affordability for many households.
According to the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) Rural Livelihoods Assessment 2020, about 7.7 million people, which is approximately half of Zimbabwe’s rural population, were estimated to be food insecure during the peak hunger season. This represented a significant increase from previous years due to adverse climatic conditions and economic challenges.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has also reported that approximately 2.4 million people in urban areas, including the capital city of Harare, faced acute food insecurity in 2020. These urban populations have been particularly affected by high levels of unemployment, inflation, and economic shocks, which have limited their access to affordable and nutritious food.
It is important to note that food insecurity in Zimbabwe can vary across regions and seasons, with some areas being more severely affected than others. Drought-prone regions, such as Matabeleland and Masvingo, have historically experienced higher levels of food insecurity due to reduced agricultural productivity and limited access to water resources.
Efforts are being made by the government of Zimbabwe, humanitarian organizations, and international partners to address food insecurity through various initiatives, including agricultural support programs, social protection interventions, and emergency food assistance. However, sustained efforts are required to improve the overall food security situation in the country and ensure long-term resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
With clear objectives in mind, the study sought to explore the challenges faced by home gardeners and assess the contributions of these gardens to food security and sustainable livelihoods. The findings were eye-opening. Home gardens emerged as crucial contributors to both areas, ensuring that families had access to nutritious food and enabling them to generate income for their daily needs.
However, the study also shed light on the hurdles faced by these farmers. Limited access to land, water scarcity, and the constant threat of theft were among the challenges that impacted home gardens. Additionally, financial constraints and a lack of information due to the enterprise’s unrecognized status presented further obstacles for the farmers.
Recognizing the significant contributions of home gardens, Rumbidzai’s study provides valuable insights for policymakers. The research emphasizes the need for agriculture policies that support smallholder farmers and promote the recognition and development of home gardens. By integrating these findings into policy frameworks, decision-makers can better understand the role of these micro-agricultural enterprises and their contribution to the country’s GDP.
As the study concludes, the importance of home gardens in ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods cannot be overstated. Smallholder farmers, especially women, have been the primary beneficiaries of this innovative approach. Rumbidzai’s work serves as a powerful reminder that transformative solutions can often be found in our own backyards.
For more detailed information and access to the research paper, please visit the following link: ISSN: 2223-7054 (Print) 2225-3610 (Online)
https://www.innspub.net
For inquiries and further engagement, please contact Reason Rumbidzai by Phone: at +263775842060 and Email: at reaschara@gmail.com
Is a longtime journalist in Uganda who has served as a cab reporter, Bureau Chief, Managing Editor, and Digital Media Editor at the country's prominent publications such as Daily Monitor, Red Pepper, and now, Research Finds News since 1999.
Rugyendo is currently a Ph.D. Fellow in Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, a Desmond Tutu Fellow, Crans Montana New Leader, and Chairman of Young Engineers Uganda and Uganda Premier League.
