In the sun-baked landscapes of rural Kariba in Chilimba, more than 100 farmers recently participated in a thermal composting practical training meant to equip them with soil health knowledge under the Reversing Environmental Degradation in Africa and Asia (REDAA) funded Farming with alternative pollinators project.
Implemented by Nutrition Action Zimbabwe and partners, the project seeks to promote sustainable agriculture practices that are environmentally friendly. The practical training brought together a group of local farmers, eager to learn a skill that promises to transform their livelihoods. This hands-on training empowered them to produce nutrient-rich compost, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
Among the participants was Violet Moyo, a grandmother whose been working the land and tending to fields for years. For her, the training was a revelation.
“We have always used compost, but we never knew the science behind it,” she says, her voice soft but filled with newfound confidence. “Now, we understand how to make it, how to kill the bad seeds and diseases.”
Using locally available materials such as twigs, green matter, dry matter, manure, and water, farmers constructed thermal compost heaps.
Thermal composting requires a specific mix of green matter rich in nitrogen (like fresh grass clippings) and brown materials rich in carbon (like wood chips and dried leaves). The pile must be built to a certain size and turned regularly to introduce oxygen, which fuels the microbial activity that creates the intense heat.
While it sounds labor-intensive, the community-led effort in Kariba rural turned it into a collaborative practice. Thermal composting is a game-changer for sustainable agriculture, as it enhances soil fertility and structure, enhances water retention, and creates a natural buffer against environmental stress.
“I’m impressed by the thermal composting technique we learned during the training. As a village head, I’ve seen how soil degradation has affected our community’s agricultural productivity. This method is a game-changer, as it’s easy to adopt, uses local materials, and produces rich compost that will improve our soil health. I’ll make sure to encourage and support our farmers in adopting this practice,” said village head, Mirai Chagampa from Muzeya village.
This means farmers like Chagampa can use less water and avoid costly, potentially harmful pesticides.
Another participant, Pascal Kamtatu, a younger farmer with a keen eye for innovation, spoke of the economic benefits.
“Before, we would spend money on fertilizers. Now we are making our own. This is not just about better crops; it’s about saving money and becoming more independent.”
Nutrition Action Zimbabwe’s field officer Mumford Chinzou applauded the power of practical knowledge, citing that it is a reminder that true development often begins with simple, sustainable skills shared among a community.
“These farmers are not just creating nutrient-rich soil; they are cultivating a future of resilience and self-sufficiency. The REDAA project is committed to providing practical, community-led solutions for sustainable development. This training is just one example of how we’re empowering farmers to drive positive change,” Mumford said.
Thermal composting is transforming the way local communities think about food security, soil health, and resilience.