Beyond teaching agricultural skills to their own children, Zimbabwean farmers Vimbai Ruvengo and her husband, Mussolini Ganyo, have turned their property, Panganayi Farm on the Hwedza-Marondera boundary, into a haven for children eager to learn about farming.
Photo: Kudzi Kachote
Ruvengo told Farmer’s Weekly that their farm is a masterclass in diversification, with Boran stud cattle grazing alongside Nguni sheep and leisure bream fish, all coexisting harmoniously. They also grow around 30ha of pasture grasses, as well as forage cowpeas and maize.
“For young students, we aim to provide a holistic learning experience through educational tourism, where they can gain hands-on knowledge of sustainable farming practices, animal care, and environmental stewardship.
“Through practical excursions and interactive activities, we hope to inspire the next generation of farmers, environmentalists, and leaders,” she explained.
According to Ruvengo, she and her husband offer the following initiatives to help children learn about and appreciate farming:
- Farm tours: welcoming school groups and organising interactive farm tours, allowing children to experience farm life first-hand.
- Hands-on activities: children participate in dehorning, animal castration, tagging, feeding, and tending to the animals, giving them practical experience.
- Agricultural education: short classroom sessions on farming practices and the couple’s crop management systems.
- Fun farm games: games, quizzes, and activities that teach children about farming in an engaging way, such as tree hunting or matching the lambs to their mothers.
Ruvengo said that when children are exposed to the excitement and rewards of farm life at a young age, they are more likely to pursue agricultural education at school and consider a career in the sector. This encourages them to follow their passion, rather than seeing agriculture as a last resort when other options do not work out.
She said the project is helping to shape the next generation of farmers.
“By exposing children to agriculture at a young age, the programme has inspired many to pursue careers in the sector. It has also encouraged schools to incorporate practical agricultural experiences into their curricula, equipping learners with valuable skills and knowledge,” she added.
