Communication in agriculture is always a necessity. Farmers have always depended on one another for information about what was happening in their respective areas. In the past the word of mouth was the most popular way of communication in the farming community.
gardening with Doreen Badze
Should there be unexpected seasonal challenges, farmers would be sure to share solutions to overcome those challenges. This was particularly crucial so that other farmers could know what worked and what didn’t when dealing with pests or unfavourable seed varieties.
Farming supply stores have traditionally served as a point of information for farmers interested in knowing what was happening in the farming world. I remember back in the day, in Harare when my parents would buy seedlings from a store called Farmers’ Co-op. It was a well-known place where farmers bought most of their farming supplies. Farmers would bump into each other there and exchange information. Sometimes farmers would even know what was going on in other areas, as far as farming was concerned.
Information is key in farming
There could be a farmer who is passionate and equipped on the onset of a project, but that farmer may experience challenges that could have easily been avoided if they had information from the beginning of their journey. It is our responsibility as farmers to embrace technology and assist our fellow farmers in their efforts. Families suffer when avoidable farming mistakes are made and ultimately both resources and time are wasted. Experience is the best teacher, so let us commit to sharing our farming experiences.
I have benefitted a great deal from creating and joining WhatsApp farming groups. There are many reasons to take this route in building your farming network. WhatsApp connects us to the global community, but most importantly, it provides a lively space for locally-oriented conversation to take place. We can find out where it has rained, weather shifts, pricing shifts and even nutritional values of certain plants.
As I wrote this article, I sat down with a tomato grower whom I asked if they had come across the pest Tuta Absoluta referred to as gonye. First he denied having anything like that in their area but when I showed him the pictures from a WhatsApp group, he opened his eyes wide and said, “That is the one.” What happened was when we first communicated he did not understand the pest I was talking about, because there are several different species of caterpillars you come across in farming, but when he saw pictures he immediately became the “lecturer”. I listened and learnt a lot on how they are dealing with it in their area.
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In the comfort of our homes, the research we used to spend so much time in the library for, enduring endless hours and information we acquired in expensive books can now be found on the internet and on social media platforms. Furthermore, the farmers are grouping themselves on social media platforms, allowing you to join what is appropriate for you.
I have found it beneficiary to join gardening/farming WhatsApp groups. Someone may answer your question knowledgeably and help remove the anxiety of being alone in undertaking farming projects. You learn things as simple as what to spray on red spider infestation. I read where one farmer was told the right chemical, where to get it and the cheapest chemical store to get it from as well as a picture of the bottle posted. How convenient is that?
The best thing happening to farming in my opinion is social media as more and more people are joining in. However, agronomists are still very important. Engaging them on a one-on-one-basis is the right step to take for personal assistance.
Tuta Absoluta update
Hwedza farmers reported detecting Tuta Absoluta in their area as the pest is spreading like fire. Farmers should continue working closely with agronomists for advice. Also, communication between farmers is important in an effort to know exactly what is helping in controlling it.
In our nursery, we have the following seedlings; cabbage star 3316 hardened and ready to go, lettuce commander, rape, tomato Tengeru, beetroot, gooseberry, eggplant and celosia flower seedlings. Happy gardening week!
Doreen Mutobaya Badze is a retired nurse and passion driven gardener. She can be reached on Cell: 0779 730 880 or 16 Metcalf Road, Greendale, Harare. Email: [email protected]
