Posted on June, 30 2025

These challenges tempt farmers to encroach into wildlife dispersal areas in search of fertile virgin land for cropping. With support from World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zimbabwe working closely with relevant government agricultural research and extension teams and development partners, farmers in Muchesu are setting up farmer field schools and demonstration sites to show-case agroecology practices, as sustainable approaches to agriculture to improve productivity and resilience.

One of the agroecological practices some farmers have adopted through knowledge passed on by a cohort of trained lead farmers, is mulching. The lead farmers showcase mulched field crops as a demonstration to other farmers to make practical observations and share knowledge. Mulching is the process of covering the soil with dry grass, leaves, or crop residues. This simple method helps the soil retain moisture, reduces water loss through evaporation and prevents erosion during heavy rains. As the mulch breaks down, it adds valuable organic matter to the soil, making it healthier and more fertile over time.

“By using mulching and other agroecological practices, we've not only doubled our harvests but also learned how to farm in harmony with nature. This way, we can feed our families without invading the wildlife areas that are so important to our community,” says Phinias Muchimba, farmer from Muchesu.

Mulching has been adopted alongside minimum soil tillage practices and diversifying crops to predominantly small grains.  By adopting these practices, farmers have seen improvements in their crop yields. Some report that their harvests have doubled since switching to agroecological methods, allowing them to feed their families and even sell surplus produce at local markets.

The impact of these changes goes beyond just improved harvests. Agroecology has empowered Muchesu farmers to become more food secure utilising existing farming fields, without the need to expand into adjacent wildlife dispersal areas.