4-H held a ward-based fruit tree planting day at Zvompopu garden yesterday. 4-H Zimbabwe is continuing with it`s drive to ensure that rural communities are climate resilient even in the face of climate change.
The initiative was done with assistance from the local ward agritex officers who were able to mobilise the garden members to come together for the success of this initiative. The organisation was able to provide 50 trees/garden. This initiative has been done in ward 13 and will continue to be in the other gardens in other wards. Fruit trees are more than just a source of seasonal food, they represent resilience, nutrition, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
Many rural households struggle to access diverse and nutritious diets. Unlike annual crops, fruit trees offer consistent yields over years, improving long-term nutrition outcomes.
The fruit trees contribute to climate mitigation by absorbing carbon dioxide, preventing soil erosion and enhancing biodiversity. Their deep roots make them more resilient during dry spells, supporting water retention.
The community were very pleased with this initiative and showed so much enthusiasm. The session included the digging of 1 by 1 metre holes and poring of manure into the holes before planting the trees and adding moisture.
We appreciate the support from International Klimate Initiative ( IKI) for these programs that seek to empower rural communities and to fight climate change impacts.