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Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

ESIGODINI Agricultural College has received an assortment of inputs from the Africa Grain and Seed (AGS to enhance productivity at the institution.

Situated in Umzingwane District in Matabeleland South, the college plays a critical role in training and capacity building of farmers. Recently, the Government introduced a new syllabus for agriculture colleges to ensure enhanced farm production as the country seeks to restore its food basket status in the region.

The new curriculum is expected to provide a practical, relevant, market-oriented, and farmer-centered education system that provides hands-on experience. In addition, it exposes students to modern farming practices and technologies while responding to emerging global trends in agriculture. Among the inputs extended to the college are seedlings comprising cabbages, tomatoes, lettuce, beetroot, and trees.

These were handed over to the Esigodini Agricultural College Principal, Mr Sibangilizwe Dlodlo, by AGS co-founder Mrs Zandie Matiwaza-Denga recently. “What we have come to do is to change the perspective of agriculture. We want to change the way people look at agriculture,” said Mrs Matiwaza-Denga. ‘We want to start moving from people looking at agriculture in terms of hard labour, poverty, and everything. “We are bringing in new perspectives of agriculture, where we talk about sustainability, income generation, food security, becoming producers for something that will feed us and everyone else”.

She said it was important to create an environment where more people become productive in the agriculture sector. Mrs Matiwaza-Denga explained that agriculture was a viable business and urged the youth to seize opportunities in farming. “We are building a legacy, teaching the young people that we don’t have to wait for someone to come and do something for us that we can do for ourselves, but it starts in structures like these,” she added.

Major General William Dube said such a partnership would help build relations that are key in addressing the country’s food security. “We are dealing with food security and it is important that we do our best in achieving our targets in that area,” he said.

“This gesture is a welcome contribution to achieving the envisaged Vision 2030 and our national strategic development goals.” Mr Dlodlo expressed gratitude to AGS, saying the donation came at the right time.

“We would also like to thank the technical experts, Grow a Tree Foundation. Thank you very much for your contribution,” he said. “AGS is coming at a very critical moment in the history of education and agriculture as an industry, not only at Esigodini but in the whole country.”

Mr Dlodlo said the institution recently launched a revised curriculum that is market-oriented. He said previously more focus had been on subsistence farming and now they have to adapt to the new curriculum.

“The market is there and Esigodini has no excuse for not producing,” said Mr Dlodlo. AGS Founder and President Mr Anthony Denga said the uniqueness opportunities to combine aspects of the tourism and agriculture industries should also provide a number of financial, educational, and social benefits to tourists, producers, and communities.

“There is need for Agri institutions can look into Agritourism which would give producers an opportunity to generate additional income and an avenue for direct marketing to consumers. It will enhance our tourism industry by increasing the volume of visitors to an area and the length of their stay.

“Agritourism will also provide communities with the potential to increase their local tax bases and new employment opportunities. Additionally, agritourism provides educational opportunities to the public, helps to preserve agricultural lands, and allows states to develop business enterprises,” said Mr Denga.

Dr Chris Cleverly said; “In the face of many challenges, Zimbabwe has remained resilient. It’s soil is fertile and it’s people are willing to bringing new technologies. We can leapfrog old ways of doing things and our common colonial past. “It is time for Africa to help Africa and as both CEO of KamPay and President of Tingo International Holdings we have partnered with African Grain and Seed to invest in Zimbabwe in the years to come fulfil its destiny”.

Thabani James Moyo; AGS and Chairman of International Trade and Investment UK said, “ We are delighted that the response to our initiative has been extremely positive, and we are looking forward to working with existing and new partners to deliver self sufficiency, and prosperity to our target communities.”

AGS is playing a significant role in empowering small agriculture producers and moving them from self sufficiency to net exporters of horticulture produce and grain. The organisation is presented with a unique opportunity in the midst of a pandemic to restructure and re-organise our approach to trade and investment on the African continent. – @tupeyo