From Garden to Co-operative: Empowering smallholder farmers in Makoni, Zimbabwe
In the heart of Manicaland province, our TC TB Makoni project is transforming the lives of smallholder farmers and their communities. What began as a simple initiative to strengthen the resilience of these farmers against climate change has evolved into a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable development.
One success story is that of Mabvazuva Garden in Mupoperi village where 50 dedicated group garden members both men and women have achieved a remarkable milestone. Covering 1.5 hectares, this community-driven initiative has been officially registered as a Savings and Credit Cooperative in Zimbabwe (Registration Number 9722) in Zimbabwe. This achievement emphasizes how collective action can drive sustainable change, foster economic growth and alleviate poverty.
The farmers are working together as a group, collectively purchasing inputs and selling their produce while sharing the profits equally. To promote the circulation of money and ensure the garden continues to thrive, the group decided to re-register as a cooperative.
Our journey with the Makoni community gardens began in 2020, when we established nutrition gardens for 500 beneficiaries living with HIV and TB. Building on this foundation, we partnered with Civil Society in Development (CISU) through UFF-Humana | Tøj der skaber udvikling from May 2023 to September 2024, equipping 200 farmers with the knowledge and tools needed for climate-smart agriculture. Our goal was to empower these farmers to adopt sustainable livelihoods, enhance food security, and protect the environment.
Today, the Mabvazuva Garden stands as a vibrant hub of agricultural innovation. It features a thriving orchard, a compost area, a productive fish pond and a variety of crops such as sugar beans, vegetables, carrots and tomatoes. The farmers have also ventured into beekeeping, fish farming and broiler chickens creating a sustainable rural business model.
The outstanding work at Mabvazuva Garden was recently recognized as the best model in the entire Makoni District, leading to a “look-and-learn” visit for other organizations. This story serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when a community collaborates. The Mabvazuva Garden is a symbol of resilience, innovation and the transformative power of collective action. We are incredibly proud to have been part of this journey.
