From Streambanks to Sustainable Gardens

For many years, gardening along streambanks has been a way of life for many families in Gwanda. The fertile soils and easy access to water help them grow vegetables that feed their families and provide much-needed income.

By Lynnia Ngwenya

Among them is Pauline Moyo from Ward 16. Like many others in her community, she sees streambank gardening as the easiest way to provide for her family. After all, the vegetables she grows put food on the table and bring in an income. Little does she know that the practice is slowly damaging the environment.

“I have been cultivating along the streambank for more than twenty years. To me, it has always been about the income I earn from the garden,” she says.

Over time, the effects become clear. Cultivating along streambanks removes the natural vegetation that protects rivers and streams. During the rainy season, soil is washed away, causing erosion and affecting the water sources that communities depend on.

Changing a practice that has been part of people’s lives for many years is never easy.

When communities are encouraged to stop gardening along the streambanks, many people become worried. Gardening is one of their main sources of food and income, and they fear losing their livelihoods.

“When we were told how much pressure we are putting on the streambanks, we were saddened,” recalls Moyo. “At the same time, we felt hopeless because we did not know where we will continue gardening.”

Pauline’s story is not unique.

In Paye Village, Ward 14, Sihle Nkomo faces the same challenge. Like Moyo, she has cultivated close to the river for many years. As a mother of three, the income from her garden is essential for supporting her family, making the thought of leaving the streambank difficult.

“My children need to go to school, have proper clothing and stay healthy. When we were told to stop gardening, it felt like our families were being pushed deeper into poverty,” says Nkomo.

The turning point comes through continuous engagement by the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and Brethren in Christ–Compassionate Development Services (BIC-CDS) under the LINCZ Project. Through community meetings, awareness sessions and practical training, communities begin to understand the importance of protecting streambanks while exploring safer ways to continue gardening.

Instead of asking families to stop gardening without an alternative, the project works with communities to identify suitable land away from the streambanks. New fenced gardens are established, giving families a secure place to grow vegetables while allowing the damaged streambanks to recover.

Solar-powered irrigation systems are installed in Paye and Baetapele gardens, while the installation for Ntalale Garden is at an advanced stage, to provide year-round access to water. Communities are contributing labour throughout the process, demonstrating their commitment and ownership of the gardens.

 “Today, it feels like a dream come true for the whole community. We have established a garden and named it Baetapele, meaning ‘going forward’,” says Moyo with a sigh of relief. “We have started transplanting different seedlings, and we are hopeful for a good harvest.”

One of the things that makes Moyo most proud is the opportunity to grow crops they had never cultivated before. The community is excited as members share and plant seedlings such as potatoes and cabbage, bringing new hope and diversity to their garden.

“With these new crops, we expect to earn more income than we did before,” says Moyo.

In Paye Garden, the beds are lush with tshomoliya and cabbage. Unlike Baetapele Garden, Paye is fully established and has already harvested sugar beans.

Nkomo smiles as she reflects on how far the community has come.

“One of our biggest challenges was livestock destroying our crops, and we also experienced theft,” says Nkomo, holding a bunch of fresh tshomoliya. “Now our garden is fenced, our crops are secure, and we look forward to harvesting with confidence.”

Like Baetapele Garden, Paye Garden is also growing cabbage for the first time, marking another milestone in the community’s journey towards diversified and sustainable farming.

In Ward 11, Ntalale Village, the community shares a similar history of cultivating along streambanks. Today, however, their story is taking a new direction. They are in the process of installing an irrigation system that will support their new community garden.

Precious Ngwenya, a 34-year-old farmer, is among those looking forward to the change.

“We have cleared the land and are now working hard to ensure that water reaches our garden,” says Ngwenya with determination. “Even though we had gardens along the river, they were not very productive, especially during the dry season. We believe this new garden will give us better harvests and a brighter future.”

Vegetables are not the only benefit these gardens offer. Each garden also includes an orchard, providing families with a variety of nutritious fruits and contributing to better health and nutrition.

What began as a difficult decision has become a story of hope and transformation. Today, communities in Ward 11, Ward 14 and Ward 16 are proving that protecting the environment does not mean giving up their livelihoods. By moving away from streambank cultivation, they have established safer, more productive gardens, embraced new farming practices and diversified the crops they grow. At the same time, the streambanks are being given a chance to recover, ensuring that both people and nature can thrive together.