Following the successful establishment of Kushinga Garden in Tagarirwa Village, Nhedziwa, a community-led initiative under the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project implemented by Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre (FPC), the village has become a vibrant training hub for sustainable agriculture, an agroecology school without walls.

Recently, 18 youth farmers (9 male and 9 female) from the Chikukwa Ecological Land Use Organization (CELUO) embarked on a learning exchange visit to Kushinga Garden, with the goal being to observe and learn best agroecological practices being used by local farmers to build resilient and productive food systems.

Using the farmer-to-farmer learning approach, where local farmers shared their practical knowledge on soil health the CELUO youths were introduced to a wide range of organic farming methods like composting, liquid manure preparation, and natural pest and disease management all being successfully used at Kushinga Garden.

These practices have not only helped improve productivity at Kushinga but have also contributed to climate resilience, food sovereignty, and community empowerment.

What made the training particularly impactful was the exchange of ideas and experiences between the CELUO youths and their hosts, the young farmers worked side by side with the Kushinga team, discussing challenges, successes, and innovations in both communities. The shared learning fostered deeper understanding and strengthened relationships between Tagarirwa and Chikukwa.

The CELUO youths expressed their appreciation for the practical training and pledged to apply the knowledge gained in their own gardens back in Chikukwa and continue spreading agroecological principles among their peers.