A 60-year-old former police officer from Dabula West Village in Ward 16, Bubi District is at the centre of a promising agricultural transformation initiative that is redefining smallholder farming in semi-arid regions.
Nhlanganiso Khabo, working alongside his wife Sibongile is among 30 farmers participating in a sorghum research and production programme spearheaded by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics.
The couple has established six experimental plots to test different farming methods and determine which produces the best yields under local conditions.
Each plot was planted on the same day but treated differently. One combines manure and fertiliser, another uses manure only, while others test fertiliser alone, intercropping with beans or groundnuts and a control plot with no inputs.
Despite early challenges, such as poor germination in one plot due to unsuitable soil the couple remains optimistic.
“This is a learning journey for us. We wanted to see with our own eyes what works best in our soil. Even with the setbacks, the differences between the plots are already clear and it gives us hope for better harvests in future,” said Khabo in an interview with CITE.
Early observations show that plots treated with both manure and fertiliser are outperforming those without inputs, while intercropping is also showing promise in improving productivity.
Khabo expects a total harvest of between five and six tonnes of sorghum from the field, a significant yield that could boost household income and food security.
A recent field day held at the couple’s homestead attracted farmers from across the ward with seven local farmers already participating in the programme.
Khabo and Sibongile were recognised as the best farmers in the ward, walking away with prizes that included a wheelbarrow, a hoe and two goats.
Another farmer in the programme, who has adopted similar practices, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative:
“This programme has changed the way we farm. We are no longer just planting but we are thinking about soil health, business opportunities, and how to use everything we produce. Nothing goes to waste anymore,” said the farmer.
The initiative, supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research goes beyond crop production.
It promotes agroecology and circular farming practices, ensuring that by-products are reused efficiently.
Crop residues are fed to livestock, manure is returned to fields as fertiliser and innovative solutions such as producing feed from black soldier fly larvae are being introduced.
ICRISAT has also mentored over 60 agribusinesses, helping young entrepreneurs develop business plans, access financing and create value-added products from sorghum and other crops.
In addition, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics has trained small grain thrashers in the area to support post-harvest handling and value chain development.
One of the trained thrashers, Reuben Khabo has formed a company that provides sorghum threshing services within the community. The company currently charges US$25 per tonne.
Khabo said demand for threshing services is increasing as more farmers adopt small grains but they are appealing for access to cheaper threshing machines to meet the growing need.
“Demand for threshing services is growing every season as more farmers turn to sorghum but the cost of equipment remains a major challenge. If we can access more affordable machines, we will be able to serve more farmers efficiently and expand our operations,” said Reuben.
“Some farmers are now producing food products, livestock feed, and other goods from what was previously considered waste,” said Angeline Mujeyi, ICRISAT Business Development Lead.
District Agricultural Extension Officer Josphat Kujinga praised the initiative for its transformative impact.
“This programme is a game-changer for our farming communities. It is not only improving yields but also equipping farmers with knowledge and business skills. We encourage the expansion of this model to other wards so more farmers can benefit” said Kujinga.
According to Mujeyi, the programme currently supports 90 lead farmers across Insiza and Bubi districts who are helping spread the adoption of conservation agriculture, intercropping and value addition techniques.