
Our new smallholder research project
After 40 years of research and demonstration, ART has started land preparation for our inaugural project on smallholder farmers this summer.
The project, in Partnership with APT and with support from Oak Foundation, uses agroecology as a means of developing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the highly deprived area of the Dande Valley.

Agroecology is a very different concept to what is normally researched under ART. The concept views the agricultural system as not only agronomic, but includes social, ecological, and economic factors. The idea is that by understanding all components of this complex system, the most important and transformative factors can be focussed on, without ignoring the components. For example, if we were to simply go in and train on herbicide use and fertiliser application, there would also be huge safety concerns. Furthermore, the impact would not be large due to the huge financial constraints in the area.
With this approach in mind, we teamed up with APT, who specialise in development of micro-enterprises for smallholder farmers. Our aim is to use the agroecological approach to develop with farmers suitable enterprises and advancements to help them help themselves. Through this project, we aim to develop a strategy for the district, as well as
Part of the programme is to demonstrate various agronomic practices which may be beneficial to the farmers. We are showcasing organic and synthetic fertilisers, different tillage techniques, and plant population effects on a variety of commercially-focussed crops.

A core part of our effort is the inclusion of the farmers in the decision-making process. They hold the most valuable insights into what works and what doesn’t, in their context. Already when developing the trials, were were met with suggestions and comments which helped us improve and reconsider the objectives and strategy of the trial.
Mbeya Fertiliser for Farmers
Simukai, the enthusiastic farming group pictured above, got involved with the making of a type of fertiliser we are introducing to the area. Originally from Malawi, ‘Mbeya‘ Fertiliser is a combination of a small amount of synthetic fertilizer with locally available organic resources, comprising wood ash from the traditional stoves; cereal bran, and goat, chicken, or pig manure. Mixing is done with the addition of a little water, and eventually just 10Kg of fertiliser produces a 50kg sack of product. It is left to ferment without air for 3-5 weeks, in a similar way to the process of making bread.

Simukai even produced a video in their local language to showcase the preparation. They gave the product the local name of ‘Dande Fertiliser’, after the valley they are from. You can check it out on our social media!
We are really looking forward to providing research support to the increasingly important smallholder sector in Zimbabwe. Follow us on social media for to keep up with the progress!
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