Open Access

The 2024 Seed and Mechanization Fair, held in Masvingo province, Zimbabwe, emerged as a vital event, as smallholder farmers had faced an El Niño-induced drought during the 2023/24 farming season. Under the theme “Rising Strong: Resilient Farming through Seed and Mechanization,” the fair brought together 947 attendees, with women making up 72.5% of the farmers present. The event aimed at connecting farmers with access to climatesmart seeds, fertilizers, and mechanization solutions, focusing on drought-resistant crops and scale-appropriate equipment essential for smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions. A total of over 2,800 kg of seeds and inputs were sold, amounting to US$14,268 in sales and US$780 in vouchers. Farmers benefited from access to drought-tolerant seed varieties and suitable mechanization tools, which are critical for navigating Masvingo's semi-arid climate. Notably, the Chengetai and Apiary Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSALs) from Ward 17 invested significantly with purchases of US$1,016 and US$761 respectively, and were rewarded with valuable agricultural tools—a peanut butter machine and basin digger, encouraging further community participation in agricultural advancements. The fair also facilitated knowledge-sharing sessions and highlighted the benefits of adopting conservation agriculture and drought-resistant varieties, crucial for improving farm yields under climate variability. The 2024 Seed and Mechanization Fair solidified its catalytic role as an invaluable hub for climate-smart agricultural solutions. It successfully bridged smallholder farmers with the resources, knowledge, and tools needed for resilient farming. Continued donor and partner support is essential to scale these impactful fairs, which drive climate resilience, gender inclusion, and economic empowerment among smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe’s vulnerable farming communities.

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