Campaign Story

ZET is working to to teach climate smart agriculture in primary schools and help tackle food insecurity while building climate change resilience. The project addresses the two challenges of increasing child malnutrition and decreasing agricultural output in Zimbabwe partly caused by the use of inappropriate farming techniques to the African climate.

ZET’s partner Foundations for Farming trains primary school teachers in conservation agriculture, including use of mulch cover, zero-tillage and no burning, which reduces soil erosion and effectively captures rainfall to the plants. School lessons include practical maintenance of herbal/vegetable gardens and a maize plot on school grounds. Food cultivated is used in free school meals, improving nutrition. Children take these farming techniques both to grow food at home and to gain employment.

St Michael’s and St John’s Primary Schools in Mbare, Harare benefit with a total of 1,500 children. Children are taught how to improve their diets. Foundations for Farming trains 2 teachers at each school. The whole school is engaged in learning these agricultural techniques and tending to the nutritional gardens.