Farmer focus: Agri influencer Tatendaishe Ukama

At just 26 years old, Tatendaishe Constantino Ukama is making waves in the agricultural sector with his integrated small-scale rural dairy farm. He also raises rabbits and calls himself an ‘entremanure’, reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit. His farming journey is driven by a passion for sustainable agriculture and community development, rooted in his upbringing in a rural setting where he witnessed the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.

The beginning of the journey

Tatendaishe’s story is one of resilience and adaptability. After completing his A levels, he envisioned pursuing agricultural studies at university. Instead, life redirected him back to his family's rural homestead in Tagarika Village, Takawira Resettlement Scheme, Chirumhanzu, Midlands, where he traded textbooks for wheelbarrows and scotch carts and classrooms for crops. “Five years into farming, I've come to realise that this journey has been the best 'university' I could have chosen,” he reflects.

In August 2019, he founded Lemonhead Aggregation Centre, utilising his family's land and expertise to create a platform for improving agricultural practice and productivity in his community. His education in Biology, Geography, and Horticulture has been complemented by various certifications, including Marketing and Branding, Rabbit Rearing, Artificial Insemination, and Cattle Management.

Recognition and leadership

Tatendaishe's efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has received accolades for his contributions to youth representation and the agricultural sector. He is a leader among his peers, serving as the Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Farmer's Union Youth Wing for Midlands Province. He also spearheads the Zimbabwe Farmers Union Young Farmers Learn and Share Movement and has been part of the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (Zicorba) from its foundation.

His family background as the only son and youngest of 11 children has instilled in him teamwork, resilience, and leadership skills, shaping him into a community-minded individual who seeks to uplift others.

Sustainable practices and community growth

Specialising in dairying and the production of various crops, Tatendaishe prioritises sustainable farming practices. He started with local breeds, aggregating milk from neighbouring farmers and manually producing on-farm feeds. Through hard work and strategic partnerships, Lemonhead Aggregation Centre has flourished, creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth.

Investments in infrastructure, including drilling of a borehole for water supply and a 5Kva solar system for energy, have further enhanced his operations. Tatendaishe has created employment opportunities for over three individuals in his district, showcasing his commitment to combating rural poverty.

Vision for the future

Tatendaishe has ambitious plans for scaling up his farming operation and extending his community impact. He seeks to secure funding for irrigation systems, and barns, and to expand his livestock and fodder production. His vision includes introducing precision farming technologies, developing value-added goods, and creating capacity-building programs for local farmers.

“If I were to meet a funder or investor, I would ask for USD 1 million because I have the vision to create a USD 1 million dairy farming business in my village,” he asserts. He calls on fellow youths and farmers to embrace agriculture as a viable career path and to innovate, adopt technology, and modernise farming methods.

Addressing challenges

Tatendaishe faces several challenges, including limited resources, climate change impacts, market fluctuations, and a lack of expertise in modern farming practices. However, his resourcefulness shines through as he leverages local materials, adopts climate-resilient practices, and engages in market diversification by establishing direct-to-consumer sales and partnerships with local businesses.

His lessons learned emphasise the importance of resilience, community support, innovation, and continuous learning.

Tatendaishe envisions transforming rural livelihoods through sustainable dairy farming over the next decade. His long-term goals include establishing a model dairy farm with over 100 lactating cows, state-of-the-art irrigation systems, and cutting-edge farm management technology.

He aims to employ over 100 individuals from 25 villages, empower 500 - or more - children through educational initiatives, and foster economic growth by purchasing dairy cattle and milk from local households.

Tatendaishe sees himself as a leading agricultural entrepreneur committed to community development and food security. His vision is a future where every household has access to quality dairy products and economic opportunities, and where local farmers are equipped with the knowledge and resources to thrive.

“I am excited about the prospects of making a meaningful impact in my community and contributing to Zimbabwe's agricultural growth,” he states, embodying the spirit of resilience and innovation that is crucial for the future of agriculture in the region.