Wimbainashe Zhakata Mutare Correspondent
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has hailed the good work being done by women in farming, particularly in Mutasa District.

The organisation’s sub-regional coordinator for Southern Africa Dr David Phiri was particularly impressed by the work of Neverlate Horticulture Group in Mutasa District’s Ward 18 (Chidazembe area), which he visited on Wednesday last week.

He was also accompanied by representatives of other United Nations agencies, which also included World Food Programme and UNICEF.

Neverlate Horticulture Group is made up of 14 members, of which 12 are women.

In an interview with The Herald, Dr Phiri said what was even more important was that the project was self-financed.

“This particular group is working on horticulture using their own resources.

“They were only provided with a greenhouse to improve their work.

“They are using their own money to buy the inputs they need and once they sell, they share that money among themselves and keep some for the sustenance of their programme, which is very productive. We are very impressed by the work that they are doing,” said Dr Phiri.

He also noted that the model needs to be replicated across the country.

However, the group received technical support through theoretical and practical training on good agricultural practices on horticultural crop from INSPIRE (Improved Nutrition and Sustainable Production for Increased Resilience and Economic Growth) project, which is supported by FAO.

Presently, the farmers produce quality vegetables which attract huge retailers.

Agritex crop and livestock extension worker for Ward 18 Mrs Mercy Jombe, who is also a member of the group, said: “We received the greenhouse as a donation from Practical Action (a non-governmental organisation).

“They donated the greenhouse and labour for construction and farmers contributed through (ISALS) Internal Savings and Landing Schemes (mikando) for inputs.”

Mrs Jombe said the visit by the UN agencies has managed to motivate the farmers.