On 21 and 26 December 2025, MVIWAMORO conducted agroecology training sessions for smallholder farmers in Msimba Village. The training aimed to strengthen farmers’ capacity to apply agroecological practices that improve soil health, enhance climate resilience, and support sustainable food production.A total of 70 participants attended the sessions, including smallholder farmers, lead farmers, village extension officers, district agricultural officers, and MVIWAMORO staff. The training used an interactive learning approach combining presentations, practical demonstrations, field applications, and peer learning discussions. Participants were introduced to key agroecology concepts such as soil health management, organic fertilization using compost and livestock manure, crop rotation, cover cropping, and climate-resilient farming systems. The sessions also emphasized the importance of indigenous seed selection, community seed storage, and sustainable pest control methods using locally available plants.

 

During practical demonstrations, farmers learned how to prepare organic pesticides and herbicides using natural ingredients such as garlic, hot peppers, aloe vera, and the neem tree. Participants were also trained on home agroecological gardens, including kitchen gardens and vertical gardens, to promote organic vegetable production at household level. As a result of the training, farmers collected five crop seed varieties for storage in the Msimba community seed bank, strengthening local seed preservation and exchange systems. The activity also increased farmers’ confidence in adopting agroecological practices as a pathway toward sustainable farming and improved food security.