My name is Sophia Makanyanga (47) and I am a smallholder farmer based in Mvere C village in Ward 19, Mutasa district. As a smallholder farmer, I faced numerous challenges in accessing capital to grow my business, despite my enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, financial freedom and improved economic status.
However, my life took a turn for the better with the introduction of the Farmers’ Clubs concept by DAPP Zimbabwe with financial support from GAIA USA in 2021. The project brought a wealth of knowledge on smart agriculture, vegetable production, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. I was further introduced to the concept of Internal Savings and Lending (ISAL) groups, aimed at empowering women and smallholder farmers like myself.
Initially, I was skeptical about pooling resources and unsure about the club life promoted by DAPP. I struggled to make ends meet and my entrepreneurial spirit was hindered by limited access to capital. However, after understanding the benefits of club life, I became one of the founding members of the first ISAL group in our area consisting of 15 people.
I used income from selling garden vegetables to pay the $20 joining fee. With guidance from an extension officer and DAPP field officer, Calvin Guruve, I gained the confidence to start with locally available resources. Our ISAL group, with a guiding constitution and committee agreed that each member would contribute $10 a month and could also borrow money at a 10% interest rate. I borrowed $70 to start vending clothes and persevered increasing my garden production to raise enough income to cover the monthly interest.
By year-end, our group had raised USD $2,000 which was shared equally among members. I used my share to buy irrigation pipes, making it easier to water my garden. I am thrilled that our group remains intact and thriving providing a sustainable source of financial support for farmers like me. Through this experience, I have learnt the value of collective action and access to affordable credit in overcoming financial barriers as a smallholder farmer.
For the past 24 years, Humana People to People through its 29 independent member associates reached 24.8 million people with HIV prevention, access to testing, referral to treating including quality care and support. For the past two decades, Total Control of the Epidemic, an HIV prevention programme from Humana People to People has engaged people to take control against the spread of the HIV epidemic under the motto: “Only the people can liberate themselves from HIV”.
As DAPP Zimbabwe, we focus on the people and not the disease as we equip individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools to take control of their own health. We engage community-based, people-centred and targeted approaches with the goal of protecting people’s lives against HIV, promoting healthy communities, supporting the vulnerable and saving lives.
Our sister organisation, DAPP Zambia’s TCE programme has shown that targeted community-based HIV testing approaches are effective in finding people who are unaware of their HIV+ status. The index testing approach initiates and pursues contact tracing of known HIV-positive cases for possible HIV infection: spouse, sexual partners and biological children. DAPP Zambia has achieved an HIV-positivity yield of 24% for persons who received Index Case Testing in communities of Eastern Province of Zambia in the year 2023 alone.
Preliminary, reports findings from the latest UNAIDS report launched on 22 July at the AIDS 2024 Conference shows that ending AIDS as a public health threat is achievable by 2030 but that success is being threatened by pushes to reduce funding and to restrict human rights. Taking the wrong path, by limiting resourcing or clamping down on human rights, would lead the pandemic to continue to grow, costing millions more lives and undermining global health security.
Represented by our sister organisations at the ongoing 25th International AIDS Conference currently taking place in Munich Germany, we are making presentations which are all based on factual data driven findings from HIV and TB programmes being implemented in southern African countries namely; Angola, Botswana, Congo, D.R., Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
This year’s 25th International AIDS Conference is being held under the theme: Putting People First.
At a time when many young people seem aimless and adrift, feeling overwhelmed by despair and complaining about unemployment, DAPP Zimbabwe a member of the Humana People to People movement has joined the Africa Skills Revolution. This initiative, launched on July 15th, World Youth Skills Day, aims to offer a beacon of hope through skills development in technical and vocational training
DAPP is one of the eight Humana People to People countries in Africa that offer Vocational Skills Training to young people. The institutions carefully design courses that meet market demands, aligning with national educational frameworks and complementing government efforts to improve academic outcomes. The seven other countries besides DAPP Zimbabwe are Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia
Speaking via Zoom during the webinar launch on Monday, DAPP Zimbabwe Country Director Luckson Soda shared how DAPP’s pioneering public-private partnerships have led to the development of market-driven short courses tailored to address specific skills gaps in sectors like agriculture, engineering and cosmetology.
“These initiatives not only enhance employability but also stimulate economic growth in local communities. As we look to the future, the role of TVET providers in Africa cannot be overstated. They serve as springboards for unleashing the potential of Africa’s youth, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to shape their own destinies and contribute to a prosperous continent,” said Luckson Soda
“Mr. Soda noted that it is important to nurture young talent in Africa. ‘Today, as we continue to invest in the potential of Africa’s youth, let us reaffirm our commitment to nurturing their talents and aspirations. Let us provide them with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to realize their dreams and build the Africa they envision – a continent where every young person thrives, contributes, and achieves greatness,’ he said.”
DAPP Zimbabwe Vocational Training College Concept
Firstly, our commitment to empowering young people is unwavering. Our TVET college is dedicated to equipping students with practical skills directly relevant to local job markets. We believe in not only preparing students for careers but also empowering them to shape their own futures as drivers of innovation and progress.
Secondly, our college is more than just educational institution, it is a vibrant community hub deeply embedded within our local context. It serves as catalysts for development, fostering collaboration among stakeholders and driving collective progress in the communities.
Thirdly, the college prioritize serving rural and remote areas, ensuring that youth in these regions have equitable access to quality education and opportunities for socio-economic advancement. This commitment is rooted in our belief that every young person deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their geographical location.
Lastly, a cornerstone of education at our college is the cultivation of essential 21st-century skills. Students learn critical competencies such as organization, teamwork, and problem-solving skills vital for addressing global challenges like climate change and inequality. These competencies not only prepare students to lead but also to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing world.
My name is Simba Mboma and I am a 48-year-old farmer from Svondo village in Chivi District, Zimbabwe. Throughout my life, I always practised subsistence farming, where I grew crops only for household consumption with barely anything to sell. However, I always desired to generate extra income but lack of knowledge and skills held me back. As the breadwinner of my family, I would take on piece jobs in my community to supplement my income averaging $60 a month which was not adequate to support my family.
My life changed when I enrolled in Farmers’ Club Chivi in September 2021 where I received training on smart agriculture and its three principles: potholing, mulching and crop rotation. I implemented these techniques in my 1ha field and 0.1ha garden and also substituted chemical fertilizers with organic manure from my Chinese, vermi and heap composts on my pieces of land. I started with 900 tomato plants in my garden and realised an income of about $600usd translating to a profit of $400 after subtracting input costs. This year, I expanded my garden land from 0.1 to 0.2 hectares and planted 2,000 cabbage heads using capital of $400 and I am anticipating a minimum yield worth USD 1,000. Despite the challenges posed by Cyclone El Nino-induced drought, I am confident in my ability to provide for my family.
My garden crop production increased as I also leveraged the symbiosis between crops and livestock by using animal manure for my crops. I also started producing seasonal vegetables like onions out of season to capitalize on market supply gaps in my community which helped me increase my income and profits. I sell these my produces to walk-in customers and nearby schools. I have already started to benefit an improved standard of living for my household as we now access improved food and nutrition as well as afford other services like education and health.
Despite the challenges posed by Cyclone El Nino-induced drought, I’m confident in my ability to provide for my family’s nutrition, food and income security through farming. My success is a testament to the impact of DAPP’s initiatives, which have empowered me with the skills and knowledge to thrive in sustainable agriculture. By sharing my experiences and expertise, I hope to inspire others to adopt climate-resilient farming methods, boost their yields and improve their livelihoods. Together, we can build a more food-secure and sustainable future for our communities.
