BIC-CDS SCOOPS SILVER AWARD

THE tradition of Agricultural shows in Zimbabwe came into existence in the Rhodesian era when the country was still under colonial rule. The shows have given business community, individuals and commercial farmers a platform to showcase their produce and open them to opportunities and investments. They have been done annually to promote agro-business, connect with potential partners and explore new market opportunities and investments from within and outside the country. With time, these shows have seen actors from outside agro-business fraternity being part of the exhibitors. The most famous show has been the Harare Agricultural Show done at national level before provincial and district agricultural shows. In August 2024, Matebeleland South Province held its 66^th agricultural show organized by the Matebeleland South Agricultural Show Society (MSASS) running under the theme “Smart Interventions in Agribusiness: Our top priority” in Gwanda district in which Brethren in Christ-Compassionate and Development Services (BIC-CDS) was part of.

Amongst the exhibitors were crop and livestock farmers, seed companies, government line ministries, non-governmental organizations and other private sector entities. BIC-CDS joined these actors by showcasing its work through an exhibition stand. The stand ensured the visibility of the organization and gave the visitors an opportunity to understand the work and current project interventions of the organization. The stand displayed produce from their project participants such as sorghum, pearl millet and cowpeas harvested from a Conservation Agriculture(CA) plot of the 2023/2024 farming season. Haybales and beehives were also part of the items displayed in the show giving a glimpse into other livelihoods opportunities promoted by the organization. In an effort to ensure that farmers are exposed to new agricultural techniques and learning from other farmers, BIC-CDS supported seven (7) female farmers who showed interest to exhibit at the show. They showcased traditional grains such as sorghum, millet, groundnuts and vegetables from their gardens.

The show also saved as a platform to encourage farmers to adopt climate smart practices especially in Matebeleland South Province which was hard hit by drought. Farmers had an opportunity to see smart and time saving machinery that can be utilized instead of manual labor such as petrol powered earth augur which is detrimental in the digging of basins for conservation agriculture. The show encouraged investment in the planting of traditional small grains such as sorghum and pearl millet which are drought resistant.

In recognition of the exhibitors, BIC-CDS scooped a silver award as the second best exhibitor under the category Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)/NGOs. The award was presented to BIC-CDS by the Second Lady Colonel Miniyothabo Baloyi-Chiwenga, Minister of State for Matebeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honorable Dr Evelyn Ndlovu and President of Matebeleland South Agricultural Show Society(MSASS) Sheron Dewa. Rabeka Ndlovu from Ward 9, who was amongst the exhibiting farmers from BIC-CDS came second in the class of sorghum harvested in the last farming season and was awarded 2kgs of Sila C sorghum variety, an axle and Huku dust (insecticide).