Zimplats training scheme empowers farmers

SIXTY farmers from Mhondoro-Ngezi and Chegutu have graduated from the Zimplats–Gwebi agricul­tural training initiative aimed at boosting rural livelihoods.

The programme is a joint initia­tive between Zimplats, Gwebi Agri­cultural College and the Department of Agricultural Extension Services (Agritex) under the ministry of Ag­riculture, Mechanisation and Water Development.

It forms part of Zimplats’ broader community investment strategy, which focused on education and skills development, community wellbeing, local enterprise growth and infrastructure support.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony held at Gwebi Agricul­tural College on Saturday, Zimplats head of corporate affairs Hama Saburi said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to practical and sustainable community develop­ment.

“Empowering communities begins with investing in people. Through this programme, we are equipping farmers with the knowl­edge and skills required to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food security and build greater economic resilience within our com­munities,” he said.

Saburi said graduates were expected to apply the training in their own farming activities and share knowledge with other farmers to widen the programme’s impact beyond direct beneficiaries.

“The programme equips farmers with practical, relevant knowledge in modern farming methods, crop production, livestock management, agribusiness principles and sustain­able agricultural practices,” he said.

“These are not merely theo­retical concepts; they are tools that accompany every graduate back to their communities and are applied in fields, households, small enterprises and ultimately in shaping the futures of families across our communities.”

He also acknowledged the role of Gwebi Agricultural College, Ag­ritex, local leadership and govern­ment stakeholders in supporting the programme.

Saburi said the collaboration demonstrates the impact of partner­ships between communities, edu­cational institutions and the private sector in strengthening agricultural capacity and rural livelihoods in Mhondoro-Ngezi and Chegutu.

Smallholder farming drives Zimbabwe’s rural economy, but suffers from climate shocks and low productivity.