Urban farmers in Bulawayo are using open land beneath electricity transmission lines to grow crops. One farmer, Enock Mcijo, cultivates roughly four acres under power pylons in the Mahatshula and Cement Side areas, harvesting about four tons of maize in a good rainy season. He uses a tractor for tilling and dedicates most of his yield to chicken feed for his rural homestead, keeping a small portion for family consumption. He views this practice as beneficial, keeping the land clear for the Zimbabwe Power Company while producing food.
This form of urban agriculture is common across the city, with residents planting on available plots near roads and other infrastructure. Farmer Ronald Makono in Mahatshula stressed the need for early land preparation to capitalize on seasonal rains, noting his own variable harvests. Recent rainfall has given local growers hope for the current planting period. National meteorological forecasts indicate a mix of normal to above normal precipitation for the southern region this season, which could support these rain-fed crops. Meanwhile, a larger government partnership program aims to boost grain production on a much wider scale through financed contract farming.
This form of urban agriculture is common across the city, with residents planting on available plots near roads and other infrastructure. Farmer Ronald Makono in Mahatshula stressed the need for early land preparation to capitalize on seasonal rains, noting his own variable harvests. Recent rainfall has given local growers hope for the current planting period. National meteorological forecasts indicate a mix of normal to above normal precipitation for the southern region this season, which could support these rain-fed crops. Meanwhile, a larger government partnership program aims to boost grain production on a much wider scale through financed contract farming.
