Rejecting culture fuels hunger in Africa 

BY STEVE EPHRAEM 

CHIMANIMANI – Turning away from traditional culture is driving hunger and poverty in African communities. This was the key message that came out during a farmers’ dialogue held at Chakohwa High School on August 18 this year.

The event was organised by a non-profit organisation dedicated to sustainable farming named Participatory Organic Research Extension & Training Organisation (PORETO).  The dialogue ran under the topic, “Is laziness the main cause of hunger in Africa?” and was facilitated by well-known TV presenter, Amai Rebecca Chisamba.

Farmers agreed that abandoning African traditions has worsened hunger on the continent. Many urged a return to organic farming and preserving native seeds and foods as a way forward. 

“Our parents used farm and forest waste to make organic fertilizers, which kept the land healthy. It’s cheap, recycles waste, and cuts pollution. Burning crop leftovers harms the environment. Switching back to natural compost such as bokashi can fight hunger,” one speaker explained. 

The PORETO Seed, Food and Music Festival shall end on August 20 and is expected to be attended by over 4,000 farmers. The fair will be officially opened by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza.