Juncao Grass: Zimbabwe’s Miracle Feed Boosting Food Security in Mashonaland West
If you had told Zimbabwean farmers a few years ago that a simple grass could revolutionise livestock feeding and mushroom production, many might have been sceptical. Yet, in March 2026, a field day held from Gwebi Agricultural College to Nyabira unveiled how Juncao Grass is indeed becoming the secret ingredient for drought-resilient agriculture and nutrition security in Mashonaland West.
A warm welcome and future leaders in action
The event kicked off at Gwebi Agricultural College, where the Principal’s welcome set an optimistic tone. But it was the student farmers who stole the show. Walking through their lush demonstration plots, it was clear that Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 strategy — aiming to align education with national development, innovation, and food security — was thriving in practice. These young champions, eager to master correct Juncao grass cultivation and utilisation, represent the next generation committed to transforming Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape.
The “smoothie maker” transforming cattle feed
Next, event attendees witnessed a live forage production demonstration. At first glance, the machine looked like an enormous kitchen appliance — it is affectionately known as the “smoothie maker.” This device grinds and shreds hard Juncao grass into soft, highly digestible feed, ideal for livestock. The silage baling machine followed suit, compressing the processed forage into climate-resilient, nutrient-packed bales. For a country where drought often threatens pasture availability, this technology offers a lifeline. “Our animals won’t go hungry during dry spells,” said a local livestock officer, his voice full of hope.
Mushroom cultivation: science meets tradition
The day’s highlight was the behind-the-scenes tour of mushroom production using Juncao grass at the Gwebi facility. Combining traditional farming know-how with scientific precision, farmers and experts showcased the critical “Science of Steam.” Substrate bags made from Juncao grass are sterilised at 100–105°C to eliminate contaminants, using a double-layer covering sealed with sandbags to trap heat for optimal sterilisation. Once cooled below 25°C over 24 hours, these bags enter the “spa” of dark incubation rooms nurturing the mushrooms before they reach farm tables across Zimbabwe.
FFA Explainer:
Juncao grass is a fast-growing grass species used in integrated farming systems. Its stalks serve as substrate for mushroom cultivation, and when processed into silage, it offers a nutritious, drought-resistant livestock feed option.
National hub powering Zimbabwe’s Juncao movement
The China-aided Juncao Nursery and Propagation Demonstration Base at Gwebi Agricultural College is more than a garden; it is Zimbabwe’s national “engine room” for this innovative technology. From here, cuttings and sterilised materials are dispatched to provinces nationwide—from Matabeleland to Manicaland. This ensures standardised quality and maximises the initiative’s reach on a national scale.
Farmers turning vision into reality
The field day journey continued to Nyabira and Good Hope, where we met pioneer farmer Mrs Mugwenhi. Arriving at the Good Hope farm, you cannot help but feel inspired. Since July 2025, Mrs Mugwenhi has transformed her 0.25-hectare Juncao nursery into a vibrant enterprise. Not content with this success, she recently expanded onto a one-hectare plot on her family farm. Her ambition extends beyond grass; she plans to feed goats primarily with Juncao silage and scale up substrate production. Through selling cuttings to fellow farmers, she is fostering community upliftment. Mrs Mugwenhi embodies the spirit of Zimbabwean women farmers leading the charge towards resilient and innovative agriculture.
Training and collaboration: a recipe for success
The success witnessed today is no accident. Gwebi Agricultural College’s hands-on training, supported by experts from the Food and Agriculture University of Fujian (FAFU) and funded through the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), equips farmers and students alike. Demonstrations of machinery operation—from substrate mixers to forage processors—build the confidence necessary to replicate successes on their own farms. Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Resettlement (MLAFWRR) officials and other partners have united around this cause, promoting inclusivity with special opportunities for women, youth, and children.
A collective stride towards food security
Throughout the day, energy buzzed from the central distribution hub to Nyabira’s farms and Good Hope’s homesteads. This shared enthusiasm signals Zimbabwe’s readiness to scale Juncao technology across the country. As the project continues, the next stop is Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), where further research and high-level discussions aim to deepen the science-agriculture nexus in pursuit of national development goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
FFA Explainer:
Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) sets out priorities including agricultural transformation, food security, women and youth empowerment, and climate resilience. Innovations like Juncao technology fit squarely within these objectives.
This thriving collaboration between Zimbabwean institutions, international partners, and inspiring farmers like Mrs Mugwenhi offers a blueprint for sustainable agriculture. With “miracle grass” and bold innovation, Zimbabwe is cultivating a future where resilience, nutrition, and prosperity grow side by side.
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