Communities in Zimbabwe are exploring the benefits of an innovative approach called "Farming with Alternative Pollinators". The project supports smallholder farmers to bring back greater diversity and increased population of pollinators in their farms with proven benefits for crop productivity and resilience while promoting ecosystem restoration.
Agricultural struggles and climate pressures for smallholder farmers
Around 70% of Zimbabwe’s population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture for their livelihoods and wellbeing. But low agricultural production and the impacts of climate change are leading smallholder farmers towards unsustainable practices such as deforestation and extensive chemical use.
These inevitably contribute to the degradation of biodiversity and ecosystem services - water supply, soil health and wild pollinators – which are vital to maintaining agriculture productivity and the communities’ long-term future.
As a result, communities in Gokwe North and Kariba are prone to food and nutrition insecurity with 71% of households in Gokwe North and 62% in Kariba showing poor food consumption patterns.
Local communities lack the practical knowledge to adapt agricultural production to meet their livelihood needs, while also protecting and restoring natural ecosystems. Similarly, national stakeholders lack evidence and expertise to guide and support communities in implementing such integrated approaches.
Good agricultural practices contribute to pollinator survival and ecosystem restoration; promoting the survival of soil organisms, and animals and improving biodiversity in crop and tree production. This improves the ecosystem services for humans – Logic Sithole, Nutrition Action Zimbabwe
Diversifying pollinators: a path to sustainable agriculture
This project will work with 100 smallholder farmers to explore and benefit from ‘Farming with Alternative Pollinators’ (FAP), an innovative agricultural approach that supports ecosystem restoration and improved livelihoods. By introducing the FAP method, the project provides farmers with the tools and knowledge to experiment, adapt and integrate pollinator-friendly practices tailored to their local contexts.
FAP enhances pollinator habitats by planting a combination of pollinator-attracting plants, creating an environment that supports pollinator survival while minimising chemical use. Farmers using FAP will increase wild pollinator diversity and abundance in their gardens, contributing to enhanced crop pollination and better crop produce and quality.
Over the course of 36 months, farmers – including marginalised groups such as women and young people – will gain technical skills to gain decision-making power over land use and natural resources, and contributing to climate resilient livelihoods.
As farmers and local agricultural agents embrace FAP, they will document its positive effects on both ecosystems and community wellbeing. The benefits of FAP, including food and nutrition security, income stability and improved ecosystem services will motivate the wider adoption of these sustainable practices.
By the end of the project, farmers, community members and government stakeholders will collaborate to produce and disseminate practical evidence of FAP’s impact, creating a valuable resource to guide future land management.
Read an interview with Logic Sithole, food security and livelihoods manager at Nutrition Action Zimbabwe.
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