The Shashe agroecology school, situated in one of Zimbabwe’s most challenging farming regions, has a rich background in pioneering agroecological methods. The community here has faced the harsh realities of Regions 4 and 5, where water is scarce and farming is a daily challenge. Yet, through innovation, resilience, and a deep respect for nature, Shashe has become a model for sustainable agriculture.

On the first day, the visiting farmers toured the three out of the five centres of excellency-the Shashe agroecology school. Each centre showcased unique approaches to agroecology, offering practical demonstrations and inspiring stories from local farmers. A major highlight was learning about water conservation—a necessity in the dry Shashe region. Farmers observed the construction and maintenance of dead earth contours, which are carefully designed earthworks that capture and channel rainwater, preventing runoff and maximizing water retention in the soil water harvesting tanks. These techniques ensure that every drop of rain is conserved, providing much-needed moisture for crops during dry spells.

Additionally, the use of upland conservation methods, such as placing stones along slopes, helps to slow down water flow, reduce soil erosion, and enhance groundwater recharge. The farmers were introduced to the art of composting, turning organic waste into fertile soil. The Shashe community’s commitment to recycling organic matter not only improves soil fertility but also reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers. This practice, known locally as "munda," is fundamental to maintaining healthy, productive fields.

Diversity is at the heart of Shashe’s agroecological approach. The school promotes the cultivation of a wide variety of crops and an integration of livestock, creating a resilient farming ecosystem. The farmers from Binga saw firsthand how this diversity helps reduce pest outbreaks, improves soil health, and ensures food security all year-round. Preserving traditional seed varieties is another pillar of Shashe’s success. The school’s seed bank stores a wide range of indigenous seeds, safeguarding biodiversity and ensuring that farmers have access to resilient crop varieties suited to local conditions. The seed stores are supported by historical literature of the journey of Shashe school.

The farmers were also introduced to renewable energy solutions, such as biogas. At Shashe, animal waste is converted into biogas, providing clean energy for cooking and reducing reliance on firewood. This not only conserves forests but also improves air quality and health within the community. Shashe farmers have revived traditional pest control methods, such as planting repellent trees like neem around gardens. These trees naturally deter pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and protecting both crops and beneficial insects.

Another innovative practice observed was the use of nutrient-rich water from fishponds for irrigating gardens. This water, enriched with fish waste, acts as a natural fertilizer, boosting vegetable growth and improving yields.

“As facilitators at Shashe agroecology school, we are proud to show how our community turns challenges into opportunities through nature-friendly agroecological practices. In water-scarce Regions 4 and 5, we conserve water with dead earth contours and stone barriers, enrich soils with compost (‘munda’), and promote crop and livestock diversity. Our seed bank preserves indigenous varieties, while biogas from animal waste provides clean energy. We use neem trees for natural pest control and recycle fishpond water to fertilize gardens. We hope our friends from Binga will apply these lessons and see that sustainable farming is achievable even in tough conditions.” Peter Mudzingwa_Shashe Lead Farmer

The school also practises agroforestry of both deciduous fruit trees, and indigenous trees, that provide fresh fruits for both household consumption and market sales with eight fruits costing a dollar and an average farmer generating $100-$120 per month. The indigenous trees provide a balanced ecosystem of fresh air, acting as a windbreak and providing shelter.

As a promotion of value addition of the harvested crops, Shashe farmers use oil processing machines to process cooking oil from sunflower, while millet and sorghum is processed into mealie meal. They only consume food from their fields, and as a result do not buy food and eat a very well-balanced diet.