In the arid district of Mwenezi, Zimbabwe, where unpredictable rainfall has long plagued traditional farming, one community is proving that innovation can turn drought into opportunity. Smallholder farmers, like those involved in the Climate Resilient Livelihoods (CRL) project, are showing how smart water management and sustainable agricultural practices can not only combat the challenges of climate change but also transform livelihoods.
At the forefront of this transformation is Chizivano Shava, a 61-year-old lead farmer whose success story has become a model for the region. As the chairperson of the Pikinini Jawanda irrigation scheme, one of the largest in the district, Shava has adopted a variety of climate-smart practices that allow his farm to thrive in an environment where many others struggle.
Shava’s homestead showcases a cutting-edge water management system, where PVC gutters channel rainwater into massive storage tanks—holding up to 130,000 liters—that provide water for farming and daily life. This system, combined with contour trenching, infiltration pits, and drought-resistant crops, ensures that his farm can sustain itself even in the driest of seasons. His small grain fields, vibrant and green, are a testament to the effectiveness of these methods in the harsh Mwenezi landscape.
The impact of this innovation stretches beyond Shava’s farm. His wife, Patience Mazanhi, highlights the life-changing benefits of having a reliable water source. “I no longer walk long distances to fetch water,” she says, smiling as she tends to their thriving vegetable garden. “We have enough for everything—from our household chores to helping others during dry spells.” Their goats and pigs, too, benefit from consistent access to water, securing food and income for the family.
Shava’s methods are grounded in both traditional knowledge and modern agricultural research. One of his key techniques is intercropping, where crops like sorghum and sugar beans grow together, improving soil fertility, moisture retention, and resource efficiency. “Look at my sorghum field,” Shava points out proudly, “the part intercropped with sugar beans is much healthier and more productive.”
This approach to farming is encouraged by the CRL project, which uses the Farmer Field School model to teach farmers how to experiment with different techniques and find solutions that work best for their unique circumstances. The goal is to empower farmers to make informed decisions, adapting methods to their environment instead of relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
Shava’s rainwater capture system, with its careful management and tailored approach, is a shining example of how local, data-driven innovations can create lasting change. And the impact of these efforts is growing rapidly. In 2024, the CRL project is expanding with 230 Farmer Field Schools across 15 districts, helping 54,284 hectares of land become more climate-resilient.
The project has also revolutionized irrigation across the region. Seven major irrigation schemes covering 527 hectares have transitioned from inefficient canal systems to more efficient pivot and sprinkler irrigation, drastically reducing water waste and increasing productivity.
In Mwenezi and beyond, farmers are learning that climate-smart solutions and innovation are not just about surviving—they are about thriving. The Climate Resilient Livelihoods (CRL) project is showing the world that even in the most challenging environments, agriculture can flourish with the right tools, knowledge, and determination. And as Shava’s success continues to inspire others, it’s clear that the future of farming in Zimbabwe is bright, resilient, and full of opportunity.
