A 53-year-old teacher based at Stanislaus Primary School has been crowned top farmer in Matova Village, Ward 3, under Chief Zimuto, after excelling in the Pfumvudza farming method.
While many civil servants depend largely on their monthly salaries, Esther Mwapenya has demonstrated that productivity need not end in the classroom.
Mwapenya was named overall winner during a field day held on 17 April 2026, an event that drew more than 200 villagers from across surrounding wards, as well as councillors and village heads.
The occasion was graced by Courage Mahoya, representing the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.
Mwapenya said she is anticipating a harvest of no less than seven tonnes — a yield that shows both the effectiveness of the Pfumvudza method and her commitment to it.
She urged fellow women to embrace farming with purpose and discipline, warning against complacency and stressing that women remain the backbone of their communities, capable of driving both household and national food security.
“I planted Panner 53 seeds through Pfumvudza on seven plots, and I am expecting plus or minus seven tonnes,” said Mwapenya.
“That is why I want to encourage other farmers, especially women, to use the Pfumvudza method because it is cost-effective in terms of manure and moisture conservation.”
The Pfumvudza programme, which requires minimal land and is well-suited to smallholder farmers, enabled her to produce sufficient food for her family while continuing to fulfil her teaching responsibilities.
As recognition for her achievement, Mwapenya was awarded two 20kg bags of Valley Seeds maize seed, an ox-drawn plough, agro-chemicals, and other farming implements.
More: TellZim News
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