This week’s article we focus on the farming side of Ebenezer. Why would anyone think farming other than cattle rearing is a viable business in Matebeleland? How does social impact does this farming and Ebenezer have in Natisa and the greater region? These are answered in the article.
- Matabeleland is known to be a dry region and prone to droughts. Why did you choose Natisa, Matobo as aplace to base a farming centre?
We would say God chose this area not us. The idea of Ebenezer grew out of many discussions following more than 60 years of involvement in this community. Therefore, it was a natural place to start. Another significant factor that influenced the decision to be based here is a sizable dam that was built nearby, from which we get our much needed water supply. Without the dam Ebenezer would have not started.
- Why is farming relevant to this region and the greater Matabeleland?
There is a prevalent mind-set that says Matabeleland is an arid, unproductive cattle region. Ebenezer has an important role to play in helping people realise that mind-set is not true and that Matabeleland is actually very productive agricultural land. We are also here to demonstrate and research the best agricultural practices and conditions relevant to Matebeleland. We work closely with Foundations for Farming, using their principles of conservation farming. We also research the best kind of watering technology, how to use drip with small-scale farmers and how farmers can access water.
- What were some of the challenges you faced when you started farming?
When we started farming here many people were surprised because Matabeleland is not traditionally known for horticulture; the region is dry and we are in the sandiest piece of land in Zimbabwe, region 5 land.
- What kept you going on farming then?
As we studied other places around the world, we became excited because of the agricultural potential that regions like Matabeleland possess. Three countries helped us frame our farming here: The first country is Israel. It is one-sixth of the size of Matebeleland yet supports a much bigger population. Israel receives about 230 mm of rain annually whilst Matabeleland gets 630 mm. Israel’s population is double that of Matabeleland, yet with a third of Matabeleland’s rainfall they are exporting food! So how is Matabeleland not exporting food? We have good conditions for it.
The second place which has inspired us is California in the USA. Apparently, California is the driest state in the USA but they produce 90% of the tomatoes consumed in the USA, as well as many other vegetables. If you transpose to Africa the distances produce is transported to market across the States, you realise that Johannesburg is right at our door! There is huge market potential.
The third place we have learnt from is Brazil which we have already talked about – there the small-scale feeds into the large scale that provides structure. It works.
- What social impact has the farming had on the community and the larger region of Matabeleland?
Ebenezer produces model farmers who will go back to their communities and demonstrate good farming principles and practices. These farmers have the appropriate knowledge alongside a business and entrepreneurial edge to help market their produce. Around Ebenezer, there are 100 outgrower chicken farmers who keep between 1000 to 3000 chickens. What they are modelling is the fact that a rural family can make $12000 a year from their home. This has far-reaching implications for enabling families to live well and educate their children.
The bigger vision is to transform the way people think about their resources. We invite farmers to come and see what we are doing, and then to try it for themselves. We help create capacity for people to do the things that will help shape the agricultural landscape of Matabeleland; because once you get someone from Tsholotsho, Nkayi or Binga buying in, you have to make sure they have access to inputs and a linkage to the market. In a sense, Ebenezer is a demonstration of what people can do with the resources they have. When people see youngsters working at Ebenezer and old people from the surrounding community making a living, they can definitely catch the vision.
- How do you engage the community of Kezi and ensure that the people are self-sufficient at the end of the day?
We are very actively working with the community, an obvious example being our work with the chicken farming out growers. We also engage the local chiefs and the rural council in sharing the vision for agri-business. We feel strongly that government, church, business and community all need to come together and have a common vision for the development of the community. We are very much encouraging and trying to facilitate networking between those entities.
