Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
RYAN Dhokwani, a 35-year-old farmer in Shamva District, is demonstrating how Zimbabwe’s land reform initiatives are providing opportunities for young people to contribute to national food security.
Allocated 12 hectares of land in July 2024 under the Second Republic’s land reform programme, Dhokwani has since established high-yielding maize crops over two consecutive seasons, applying structured farming techniques and modern agronomic practices.
“Receiving this land has been a significant opportunity. We are grateful to His Excellency Cde ED Mnangagwa for supporting youth empowerment through land allocations. This farm has allowed me to put into practice modern farming methods and contribute to food production in our district,” Dhokwani said.
The young farmer has extended his influence beyond personal productivity by supporting neighbouring youth with shared farming implements and mentorship, promoting best practices and demonstrating the potential of agriculture as an alternative livelihood to artisanal mining, which dominates Shamva.
“These initiatives are encouraging. Ryan is showing other young people that agriculture can be a viable pathway. His attention to detail, from planting during low rainfall periods to following recommended techniques, is producing tangible results,” Agritex Supervisor Etina Matarangana said.
Ward 29 Councillor Jealous Nyakurerwa highlighted the wider community impact.
“I am very happy that in Shamva I have the leader of the youth, he is not the only benefices, it also benefitted us because he is one of the youth leaders encouraging other young people, he is trying to inspire people because Shamva is full of artisanal miners but he is showing them the way, he did not do it for youth only but the vulnerable as well,” Shamva Ward 29 councillor Jealous Nyakurerwa said.
In line with the ongoing agrarian reform programme, Shamva district benefited from farming implements under the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme targeted at mainstreaming youth participation in the economy, enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening food security.
A bountiful harvest of at least 10 tonnes per hectare is expected from this you-led A2 farming venture, indicating the country’s agricultural future is in safe hands.
