By Desire Tshuma
The Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zimbabwe has set 13 September 2024 as the date to host its annual national seed Fair at the Harare Botanical Gardens.
PELUM national seed fair is an annual event which has been ongoing since the establishment of the national organization that empowers farmers national since it was established in 1995. PELUM empowers small farmers to feed themselves by capacitating them and encouraging them to grow indigenous traditional grains like, finger millet, sorghum white and brown, millet, svoboda (barnyard millet) and other small grains which are high tolerant to drought in consideration to the climate change which has continuously caused drought in Africa.
“We are inviting all Zimbabweans to come and participate in this event which is admission free to all. Renowned musicians, Mbeu , Elysium, Magma as well as traditional dance and drama will be available to entertain farmers and all people who will be available for the national seed fair. ” Said Mr. Theophilus Mudzindiko, PELUM Zimbabwe programmes coordinator. He went further and said, that the day seeks to create a space for both celebrating the diverse traditional seeds and foods of Zimbabwe as well as sharing, exchange and trade of these seeds and foods.
The theme of the 2024 National Seed Fair is ” Celebrating the diversity and resilience of Zimbabwean foods”. This year’s celebrations come at a time when the country is reeling from the effects of El Nino induced drought that affected 2023/2024 farming season, leading to the state of disaster that the President declared. The event is expected to showcase the wide array of resilient Zimbabwean foods that did well despite the drought.
” Come and experience why our forefathers stayed so healthy for so long and learn how you can also do the same.” concluded Mr. Theophilus
