Youth-Led Holistic Livestock Management Transforms Mabasa Village in Zimbabwe
In the serene Mabasa Village of Chief Chikukwa’s domain in Chimanimani, a transformative story of youth empowerment and sustainable agriculture is unfolding. Joel Muchinacho, a 35-year-old smallholder youth farmer and herder, has emerged as a beacon of change, spearheading the adoption of Holistic and Livestock Management (HLLM) practices through the Chikukwa Ecological Land Use Community Organisation (CELUO), a partner of PELUM Zimbabwe.
Joel’s journey began in 2019 when he joined CELUO and enrolled in the HLLM programme. Before this, livestock grazing was largely unregulated, with community members simply opening gates and allowing cattle to graze freely. This approach often led to unproductive grazing and cattle health problems, weakening the community’s agricultural resilience.
Since embracing HLLM, Joel has advocated for structured and sustainable herding methods. “Our community wasn’t careful with our livestock before. We lacked a proper grazing plan, leading to poor productivity and health issues,” he recalls. Now, Joel and fellow herders follow well-coordinated grazing schedules, utilise boma sheets for effective cattle management, and integrate crop field management into their livestock practices.
These changes have not only enhanced animal health but have profoundly uplifted the community’s economic conditions. Joel himself has expanded his herd from just three cows in 2019 to twenty today, diversifying breeds and increasing productivity. His progress is a testament to the empowering potential of the HLLM programme.
Joel’s impact ripples across Mabasa Village, especially among the youth. By organising training sessions through CELUO, he has equipped other young farmers with knowledge and skills in sustainable livestock management. Many of these youths have since acquired cattle, contributing to income generation and food security locally.
This momentum aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritises youth empowerment, agricultural productivity, and sustainable natural resource management. Joel’s leadership exemplifies how young people can drive these national goals at the grassroots level.
CELUO Project Officer Wellington Muchita praises Joel’s dedication: “His commitment to applying holistic practices and inspiring peers embodies transformative leadership. Such efforts are essential for youth development and community empowerment in Chimanimani.”
Meanwhile, Agricultural Business Advisory Officer Mahaka Stanley emphasises the broader benefits of the HLLM initiative: “The program promotes sustainable agriculture, boosts food security, and improves smallholder livelihoods. Joel’s encouragement of youth participation is vital for the Chikukwa community’s development.”
Joel also highlights the programme’s role in fostering social cohesion: “We are now united as a community, collaborating to manage livestock sustainably. HLLM has nurtured teamwork and mutual support among us.”
This story from Mabasa Village illustrates how innovative agricultural practices, led by passionate youths, can transform rural livelihoods, catalyse economic growth, and strengthen community bonds. It serves as an inspiring model for Zimbabwe and other African countries seeking sustainable agricultural development.
FFA Explainer Box:
Holistic and Livestock Management (HLLM) refers to a comprehensive approach that integrates planned grazing, animal health, environmental stewardship, and community engagement to optimise livestock productivity sustainably. It emphasises rotational grazing, pasture regeneration, and conservation to enhance soil and forage health.
Zimbabwean policymakers and agricultural stakeholders aiming to replicate Mabasa’s success should explore further support for youth-led agricultural programmes under policies like the NDS1, which also stresses inclusivity for women, youth, and children.
In conclusion, Joel Muchinacho’s journey reiterates that when communities embrace sustainable agricultural education and practices, they unlock pathways to resilience, prosperity, and unity. The vibrant example of Mabasa Village is a clarion call for increased support to youth-driven initiatives across Zimbabwe’s rural landscapes, paving the way for a promising future in agriculture.
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