Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre today hosted its 5th Diploma in Agroecology Graduation Ceremony, where 54 students (20 men and 34 women) were conferred with Diplomas in Agroecology, the ceremony was held to recognize and celebrate the graduates’ successful completion of a programme designed to equip practitioners with skills essential for promoting climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture across Zimbabwe.
As the country continues to seek sustainable solutions to climate change and food security challenges, (FPC) has become a key institution in advancing agroecology education. Beyond its diploma programme, FPC has already extended its reach to rural communities by hosting two Special Certificate in Agroecology graduation ceremonies in Nkayi and Birchenough, empowering farmers with practical, ecologically sound farming techniques.
These achievements reflect FPC’s growing leadership in promoting hands-on, transformative agricultural training that equips both students and farmers with the knowledge needed to build resilient food systems.
In his remarks, FPC Principal Mr. Kudzanai Lewis Mashingaidze emphasized that the institution’s core mission is to equip learners with practical agroecology skills that can transform food systems and strengthen community resilience. He noted that
“Our goal is to produce graduates who do more than understand theory graduates who apply these principles in their communities to secure a sustainable future, agroecology is not just a field of study but a way of life that requires consistent practice to restore ecosystems, improve soil health, and ensure long-term food security,” he said.
In his keynote address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, represented by the Chief Research Officer and Head of the Chemistry and Soil Research Institute Mr. Emmanuel Chikwari, emphasized that agriculture is not merely an economic activity but a vital contributor to environmental wellbeing and sustainability.
“Agriculture is not just an economic activity; it is vital for our environmental, social, and cultural wellbeing thus skilled manpower and continuous training in Agroecology is essential for a sustainable future and contributes to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” Said Chikwari.
The ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the graduates beyond academics, many of the students demonstrated exceptional skills in various Agroecological practices that have indeed brought a positive impact in their communities.
FPC’s hands-on approach ensures that graduates are not only theoretically equipped but also ready to implement agroecology principles in real-world settings, benefiting vulnerable communities.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Kerbouchard Zvovushe expressed his excitement and gratitude, highlighting their readiness to make a meaningful impact in communities, he noted that the skills and knowledge acquired through the diploma programme would complement and enhance the work they had already been doing.
“We are ready and well equipped to apply the agroecology principles we have learned to strengthen food security, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance livelihoods in our communities, building on the initiatives we are already implementing,” said Zvovushe.
Through education, practical training, and community engagement, FPC is ensuring that Zimbabwe’s future farmers, extension workers, and youth are equipped to meet the challenges of climate change while supporting national development goals.
