Farmer profile is an initiative in which Agricmania Magazine hosts conversational interviews that enable women to share their experiences and perspectives about their diverse roles in agriculture. Mrs Matilda Manhambo (MM), of Kupfuma Ishungu Farm in Gweru, spoke with our reporter, Almot Maqolo (AM).She joined the government as a clerk in the research department and a specialist under the Ministry of Agriculture after receiving her accounting diploma. She was promoted as she advanced through the ranks. She was a senior executive officer at the time of her retirement and thought that farming was an industry that might help the nation build wealth and employment prospects.
Here are excerpts from the interview
AM: How long have you been a farmer?
MM: I have been farming for 16 years.
AM: What do you do on the farm on a day-to-day basis?
MM: I am into horticulture and livestock. The crops I do for the local market include potatoes, tomatoes, butternuts, onions, cucumbers, peppers, cabbages, and covo. The crops for export include peas, fine beans, and flowers. Also, I have a global gap for those. As for livestock, I do cattle breeding, goat breeding, sheep breeding, piggery and poultry breeding.
AM: What things have you learned to do since getting involved in farming?
MM: I have learnt to be persistent with what I am doing. To take farming as a business. Good planning that I should have good farm records. Also, market intelligence
AM: What do you consider a successful year at your farm?
MM: This year has been a good one for me, especially with my peas, goats, and sheep, all of which produced a good number of offspring
AM: From your perspective, what has been the most significant change on your farm over time?
MM: The most significant change is that I managed to put in four boreholes. Then I to put electricity from a distance of 4 kilometers. Now I can irrigate my crops. I also managed to put infrastructure.
AM: What do you notice about being a woman in agriculture that’s different from your male
counterparts?
MM: I am actually above most of the men in my area because I am driven with passion.
AM: What’s been the most intriguing innovation that you’ve incorporated into your operation?
MM: My crops are grown scientifically because I have required stands. The crops are healthy and fresh.
AM: If you could share one piece of advice with the future generation of women in agriculture, what would it be?
MM: I encourage the younger generation to start a farming business if they want to be millionaires in the future.
