Checheche man with disability embarks on agric journey
Story by Tamuka Charakupa
A man living with disability in Chipinge’s Checheche area is defying the odds in pursuit of his dreams – to be a leading horticultural farmer in the region.
A Chipinge-based man is not letting disability be an impediment to his farming dream.
Despite being wheelchair-bound since 1996 when he was involved in a road traffic accident, Tuwani Sithole has remained determined to fulfill his dreams and is currently supplying a wide range of cash crops such as beans, tomatoes and green mealies.
“I want to be an example to my community that with determination, nothing is impossible. Right now I am limited by resources, but as against all odds we are trying to be as productive as we can. We have tomatoes, green mealies, beans, onions, vegetables and other produce,” he said.
Sithole is also investing in fish farming to boost his income revenue, amid calls by the government for communities to be innovative and utilise land resources.
He added, “I have realised that there is also more to gain through fish farming. I have plans to establish three fish ponds. We were given land by the government as such we should utilise it and create our own employment. If I can do it then everyone can do it. We should also make use of our resources and work with our own hands.”
His wife Dadai is also convinced that they are on the right path to success.
“Our area receives high temperatures, but this has not limited us. Our President Cde Mnangagwa always tell us that Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo and we are playing our part. Our wish to be capacitated so that we maximise because we don’t want to be among those who rely on government for food and everything,” she said.
