Posts by Staff Writer
Hurudza mindset: Zimbabwe does not just need bigger farms. It needs better farming systems
A provocative conversation about smallholder farmers, commercial agriculture, mechanisation, technology, policy, profitability and the future of Zimbabwean agriculture. Let me ask Zimbabwe a question that might disturb a few comfortable conversations in our agricultural industry: If two farmers produce for the market, keep records, manage costs, understand their customers and reinvest their profits, why should…
Read MoreIn conversation with the founder of Rockcraft Mushrooms
Building a local mushroom value chain From pharmaceutical sciences to mushroom cultivation, Dr Erik R. Hebels-Lung is applying his scientific expertise to an ambitious venture aimed at developing Zimbabwe’s mushroom industry from the ground up. Zimbabwe’s mushroom industry has considerable potential, but developing a sustainable commercial sector requires more than simply establishing mushroom-growing facilities. Behind…
Read MoreProfit, not perfection: Why Africa’s cattle producers should breed for function, fertility and adaptability
For Zimbabwe’s cattle breeders, the most impressive animal is not necessarily the most profitable. Mark Hook, chairman of the Zimbabwe Boran Breeders Society, and international cattle judge PJ Budler believe the future of sustainable beef production lies in breeding animals that are adapted to their environment, reproduce consistently and perform efficiently under the conditions in…
Read MoreOrganic vegetable production
General guidelines and principles by Sebastian Scott, Grasslands Trust, Zambia Soil health A healthy soil is needed to grow good quality organic vegetables. Healthy soil leads to healthy, disease-free plants. Soil health can be maintained by the following practices. Use good quality compost Vegetables are very sensitive to un-balanced availability of nutrients in the soil.…
Read MoreWhere do our Zimbabwean indigenous cattle breeds stand? My philosophy on their past and future
There is a recent and welcome upsurge of interest and awareness for our indigenous breeds, both from cattle breeders, stud and commercial, and Government. The recent Government support for our indigenous breeds as a part of their initiative to mitigate drought conditions and make communities in drought prone and degraded areas more self-sufficient and to…
Read MoreA hands-on approach to Saanen goat dairying in Zimbabwe
Over the past 13 years, a passion for Saanen goats has developed into a specialist dairy operation, with a herd of around 80 goats and a strong focus on genetics, hands-on management and producing fresh milk and dairy products for the local market. The herd’s owner admits that everything she knows about keeping dairy goats…
Read MoreI come from Chirumhanzu
I come from a place where the soil taught me about life before I even knew that agriculture would become such a big part of my journey. I grew up in Chirumhanzu, among people who understood that if you do not work, the field will not give you a harvest. I watched parents and farmers…
Read MoreFarmers urged to prepare for an erratic and drier 2026/27 season
Zimbabwe is heading into the 2026/27 summer cropping season with a warning from the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) that farmers should prepare for below-normal and highly erratic rainfall, with prolonged dry spells likely across much of the country. The MSD’s Zimbabwe National Climate Outlook for October 2026 to March 2027 indicates a high probability of…
Read MoreGovernment puts indigenous genetics at centre of livestock transformation
Zimbabwe is preparing to place indigenous cattle genetics at the heart of its livestock development strategy, with Government developing a new programme to conserve, multiply and make locally adapted genetics more accessible to smallholder farmers. Speaking at a Mashona Cattle Field Day at Portelet Estates in Makonde District, Mashonaland West, Director for Livestock and Fisheries…
Read MoreBeef and Small Stock School to equip farmers with practical knowledge, genetics and market insight
Zimbabwe’s Beef School and Small Stock School, being held at ART Farm, Pomona, from 15–17 September, will offer farmers three days of expert insight, practical demonstrations and discussion covering breeding, animal health, nutrition, finance, adaptation and farm management. With Zimbabwe’s livestock sector facing increasing pressure from climate variability, drought, limited grazing and changing markets, the…
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