Cicada’s Small-Scale Farming Program - A Journey Toward Food Security and Sustainability!

Cicada is thrilled to share the early success of our 2024/25 farming season for the Small-Scale Farming (SSF) Program in Karoi and Gairezi. This initiative is more than just a farming program—it’s a step toward empowering under-resourced farmers, restoring ecosystems, and ensuring food security for communities surrounding our commercial estates.

Farmers in the program have embraced early planting techniques such as mulching, while leveraging a combination of irrigation and rainfall to cultivate thriving maize fields. The lush, green fields stand as a testament to their dedication and the effectiveness of climate-smart agriculture.

The Vision Behind the SSF Program

Cicada believes that thriving commercial farms should not exist alongside struggling communities. Our SSF Program seeks to bridge this gap by:

• Empowering farmers with the tools and skills needed to achieve food security and improve household incomes.
• Integrating top-performing farmers into our commercial export value chain creates long-term economic opportunities.
• Halting environmental degradation through sustainable farming practices and conservation efforts.

What the SSF Program Offers

To support small-scale farmers, Cicada provides:

• Extensive Training: Upskilling in conservation agriculture and regenerative techniques, while nurturing strong community structures.
• Access to Inputs and Storage: Ensuring farmers receive timely resources and support for crops like maize and sorghum.
• Market Access: Breaking barriers by integrating farmers into robust supply chains and creating opportunities for economic growth.

A Focus on Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration

Beyond agriculture, the SSF Program couples farming initiatives with ecosystem conservation and restoration. In partnership with My Trees Trust, we supply indigenous tree seedlings to farmers, promoting reforestation of field margins and riparian zones. These efforts not only combat deforestation but also enhance natural ecosystem services critical for long-term agricultural success.

Why Karoi, Gairezi, and Honde Valley?

Strategically located along major river systems like the Zambezi and Pungwe, these regions face significant challenges such as deforestation, riparian cultivation, and siltation. By implementing the SSF Program here, Cicada aims to address these environmental issues while empowering local farmers to build sustainable livelihoods.

Results?

The dedication of our farmers is already bearing fruit—or in this case, maize! The vibrant fields in Karoi and Gairezi demonstrate the transformative potential of timely action, proper training, and community support. Cicada is proud to stand alongside these farmers as they faithfully steward the land and work toward a greener, more prosperous future.

As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding the SSF Program, strengthening ecosystems, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both people and the planet.

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