AGROFORESTRY REPORT

AGROFORESTRY REPORT:

AUGUST 3 TO AUGUST 7 2023

From the second of August preparations were done at Mangwende farm to receive the permaculture guru Mr Piti and his five Poret organisational crew from Chimanini located in the province of midlands in Zimbabwe. Preparations included cleaning, construction of toilet temporary structures, window panel fitting on structures and gathering of manure and dead leaves.

We received his associates on the 3rd of August between 4 and 5 pm and Mr Piti on the 4th early morning when the program started. We had a total attendance of approximately 35 as being the highest of the training days, with 22 of the 35 staying on the premises. We started by touring the garden and learning about permaculture with the aid of existing plants with Mr Piti then we later on received lectures from his three associates on the topics of permaculture.

On the 5th, 6th and 7th more physical work was done such as double digging and practically making borcashi and thermal composts, as well as presentations and discussions on different topics that had to do with the administration of the organisation and its functions, agroforestry, companion planting, soil structure, creation of composts and organic fertilisers such as borcashi and so on that had to do with agroecology.

Creation of bocashi

Thermal composting

Double digging and demonstration of 1m by 1m holes for planting trees

On the 7th we concluded with lessons on digging trenches and basic watershed development. We also focused mainly on the way forward and planning. Right now preparation of land is in progress with modification of existing wholes and feeding so that planting can start.