Simbarashe Gombera, Organizing Secretary of ATF4ED
By Chiyedzo Josiah Dimbo
In a bold move to support Vision 2030 and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Unit of Purpose, Allied Tobacco Farmers 4 ED (ATF4ED) is gearing up to transform the lives of tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe. Beyond the field days, the organization is committed to providing holistic support to farmers, focusing on sustainable projects and initiatives.
According to Simbarashe Gombera, Organizing Secretary of ATF4ED, the organization plans to conduct trainings for various projects, including poultry, piggery, and cattle fattening. “We are going to drill boreholes in all provinces,” Gombera said, emphasizing the importance of access to water for farming communities.
The organization is also looking to establish business units that will promote self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among farmers. “We want to move away from the begging syndrome to a building mentality,” said Gombera.
Proposed business units include poultry, piggery, fisheries,goat rearing,bee keeping,cattle fattening, with farmers grouped into clusters of ten for easier management and support.
ATF4ED’s vision is to empower farmers to take charge of their livelihoods, leveraging the land they’ve been given. “The most benefit is the land we were given,” Gombera said. To achieve this, the organization plans to collaborate with different organizations and solicit donations to support their initiatives.
One innovative suggestion from Business is an Art, a stakeholder, was for ATF4ED to purchase drilling rigs, with at least two per province, to ensure access to water. Gombera welcomed the idea, highlighting the need for cheaper inputs and fair pricing for farmers.
As Zimbabwe strives to achieve its Vision 2030 goals, ATF4ED’s efforts are a testament to the power of collective action and entrepreneurship. With a focus on sustainable projects and empowering farmers, the organization is poised to make a meaningful impact on the country’s agricultural sector.
Key Initiatives:
– Trainings for poultry, piggery, and cattle fattening projects
– Drilling boreholes in all provinces
– Establishing business units for self-sufficiency
– Grouping farmers into clusters of ten for support and management
Call to Action:
ATF4ED invites stakeholders, organizations, and individuals to join hands in supporting this noble initiative. Together, we can build a prosperous Zimbabwe, one farmer at a time.
The writer is Ambassador of Hope,Veteran Journalist &Events Director-ED