Zimbabwe: First Lady hails peri-urban farmers
“Urban farmers should also grow horticulture crops on small plots as a part time activity or become professional growers dedicated to intensive market gardening,” said Mr Mbetu.
The Herald
Nov 4, 2021
Excerpt:
In a speech read on her behalf by Deputy Minister Karoro, Amai Mnangagwa said peri-urban farmers should value the importance of land cultivation to their livelihoods.
She called for the bridging of the gap between urban and rural farmers, saying the scenario of people buying food from rural areas should be a thing of the past if peri-urban farmers were supported.
“It is a known fact that the number of people moving to towns from rural areas is increasing everyday and these migrants need to be fed,” said the First Lady. “Therefore, we should all support orderly, organised and environmentally conscious farming activities.”
Peri-urban farming, she said, was a way of showing gratitude to Government for the Land Reform Programme which came about as a result of the protracted liberation struggle.
Amai Mnangagwa said Government had recognised peri-urban farmers and would continue supporting their activities with inputs.
“It is important to note that these farmers need to be coordinated so that their activities proceed without hindrance or them damaging the environment,” she said.
