The David Seth Foundation is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for underprivileged children through a multifaceted approach that includes scholarships, tutoring programs, and mentorship opportunities. The foundation recognizes that many students face significant barriers to academic success due to socioeconomic challenges, and it aims to bridge this gap by providing essential resources and support.

One of the primary initiatives of the David Seth Foundation is its scholarship program. These scholarships are designed to alleviate financial burdens associated with education, enabling students from low-income families to access quality educational institutions. By offering financial assistance, the foundation helps ensure that deserving students can pursue their academic goals without being hindered by economic constraints.

The David Seth Foundation focuses on providing comprehensive family support services aimed at enhancing the well-being of children and families in need. The foundation recognizes that many families face significant challenges, including poverty, lack of access to education, and health issues, which can hinder their ability to thrive. To address these challenges, the foundation implements a variety of programs designed to offer both immediate assistance and long-term support.

The foundation provides workshops and resources for parents to enhance their parenting skills. These programs focus on effective communication, discipline strategies, and emotional support techniques that empower parents to create nurturing environments for their children.

The David Seth Foundation promotes cold composting as an effective method for farmers to manage organic waste. This technique involves the slow decomposition of organic materials without active management, making it accessible and low-maintenance for farmers.

Farmers are encouraged to set up simple cold compost systems using available materials such as yard waste, crop residues, and kitchen scraps. The process requires minimal effort—farmers can layer greens (nitrogen-rich materials) with browns (carbon-rich materials) and allow nature to take its course over time.

The David Seth Foundation’s advocacy for cold composting empowers farmers by providing a sustainable solution that enhances productivity while promoting environmental stewardship. This method not only supports individual farms but also contributes positively to broader ecological goals.

Small-scale farmers practising Agroecology in Mwenezi district have emerged from the El Niño marred 2023/2024 farming season unscathed.

Simbisai Machava (65) is one of the small-scale farmers working with David Seth Foundation member, Mwenezi Development Training Centre (MDTC) in Mwenezi. She says despite the devastating impacts of the El Niño induced drought to most farmers all over the country, farmers like her who have been practising agroecology still managed to harvest adequate food to last until the next harvest.

“I, like other farmers who have been practising agroecology, have not suffered as much as farmers practising conventional agriculture. Farmers like me have been able to reap a better harvest from the various agroecology activities we have done,” says Simbisai.

Simbisai adds that techniques such as water harvesting, mulching and planting traditional seeds have had a positive effect on her harvests despite the unfavourable rains.

“Because I adopted rainwater harvesting through digging swells and infiltration pits, I was able to salvage the little water that we received. I also preserved the little water we got by intercropping my traditional grains with live mulch which helped increase the water retention capacity of my soil,” says Simbisai.  

Lloyd Ruvengo (33) another small-scale farmer from Mwenezi says he focused on growing Barnyard Millet (Svoboda).

“Svoboda is a real blessing for me. I have been testing and observing its qualities and I am satisfied with it. It’s adaptable to our dry conditions and ability to keep producing even when the rains are little. It’s a sustainable and resilient crop that helped me ensure my family’s food security,” he says.

Lloyd says the effects of El Niño on his crops have been minimal because of the resilience of svoboda.

“Through my exploits with svoboda, I have found that the crop is resilient and tolerant to harsh weather conditions. I urge more farmers to utilise our traditional crops,” he says. 

Olliat Mavuramba, (50) a programme officer for David Seth Foundation’s strategic partner, Zimbabwe Smallholder Organic Farmers’ Forum (ZIMSOFF) says the diversification of strategies and practices by small-scale farmers was a critical factor in ensuring the resilience of Agroecology farmers to the drought.

“Through in-depth trainings on agroecology, seed saving and food sovereignty,  agroecology farmers are continually practising and sharing knowledge and learning which is improving their capabilities to stand a better chance of surviving droughts,” says Olliat.

Small-scale farmers working with David Seth Foundation member, Igugu Trust in Hwange district are realising environmental transformation and food self-sufficiency after adopting Holistic Land and Livestock Management (HLLM) practices. 

Mbuso Nyathi (58), from Ndhlovu Village is one of these farmers and says HLLM came at an opportune time when the Ndhlovu community was in a sorry state.

“Before we began holistic and planned grazing, our community did not have adequate pastures for our livestock. We also faced soil infertility which led to food insecurity as our crops failed each season,” he says. 

Mbuso adds that after HLLM was adopted, these problems started to disappear. 

“After adopting HLLM, most of these problems relating to soil infertility and depleted pastures started to become less and less,” says Mbuso.   

The adoption of HLLM addressed the challenges that the community was facing in food production and environmental sustainability but it also helped the community to begin to work together to deal with other social issues.

“After Igugu Trust introduced us to holistic and planned grazing, our yield improved and our rangelands have more ground cover. Crop field impaction has helped improve the quality of our soil. Our crops fields are now more productive than ever,” says Rita Kanyemba (50) one of the farmers from Ndhlovu Village

“Before adopting planned grazing, community members rarely herded cattle collectively. Now our pastures have improved and our livestock are becoming more and more manageable,” she adds.

Gift Maodzeka (23), the Community Liaison Officer for Igugu Trust in Hwange District says the Ndhlovu community has indeed reaped many benefits from adopting HLLM practices.

“We have been working with communities in Hwange district since 2019. There has been increased productivity in the fields. Food security in the communities has improved because of increased soil fertility and soil water retention as a result of animal action on the rangelands. We are also witnessing less human-wildlife conflicts as holistic management is improving daily,” says Gift.

Mbuso says due to the nature of HLLM in bringing together the whole community,  building resilience has been easier because the whole community is working together.

“Working together as a community has helped our community build resilience. We are collaborating and impacting fields through this programme and this is helping our community develop,” says Mbuso.

Food Security: The foundation implements agricultural programs that promote sustainable farming practices. This includes distributing seeds and tools to local farmers, training them in modern agricultural techniques, and establishing community gardens to enhance food production

Education: Recognizing the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, the David Seth Foundation supports local schools through infrastructure development, provision of learning materials, and scholarships for underprivileged students. They also conduct literacy programs aimed at adults to improve overall community education levels.

Healthcare: The foundation addresses health challenges by facilitating access to medical care. This includes organizing health camps that provide vaccinations, maternal health services, and treatment for common diseases. Additionally, they raise awareness about critical health issues such as HIV/AIDS prevention and management.

Through these comprehensive efforts, the David Seth Foundation plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for people in Chipinge, contributing significantly to long-term development goals in the region.

The David Seth Foundation is dedicated to the belief that every child deserves the right to an education. This principle serves as the foundation for their various initiatives aimed at improving educational access and quality for children, particularly in underserved communities. The organization recognizes that education is not just a privilege but a fundamental human right that can significantly influence a child’s future.

One of the primary objectives of the David Seth Foundation is to provide a positive learning environment where children can thrive academically and personally. This environment is characterized by supportive teaching practices, engaging curricula, and resources that cater to diverse learning needs. By fostering such an atmosphere, the foundation aims to inspire children to expand their knowledge and develop critical thinking skills.

The ultimate goal of the David Seth Foundation is not only academic achievement but also personal growth. By nurturing thoughtful students who take pride in their education, the foundation helps cultivate responsible citizens who are equipped to contribute positively to society. This holistic approach ensures that children are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their own educational journeys.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the operations of the David Seth Foundation. Their dedication and compassion help create a supportive environment for children. Volunteers engage in various activities, including tutoring, mentoring, organizing events, and facilitating workshops. This hands-on involvement not only enriches the children’s experiences but also fosters a sense of community among participants.

The foundation emphasizes quality education as a cornerstone of its approach. It offers tailored educational programs designed to meet the diverse needs of vulnerable children. These programs often include academic support, life skills training, and extracurricular activities that promote creativity and critical thinking. By focusing on holistic development, the foundation ensures that children are well-equipped for future challenges.

The ultimate goal of the David Seth Foundation is to empower children so they can become leaders within their own communities. By investing in their growth today, the foundation hopes to inspire a new generation of changemakers who will contribute positively to society. This ripple effect can lead to long-term improvements in community welfare as empowered individuals take on roles that foster progress and development.

Unganai Murwisi (52), a father of four and small-scale farmer from Mushumbi in Mbire district in the northern valleys of Zimbabwe has defied the odds by producing surplus grain despite the El Niño induced drought that affected the 2023/2024 farming season.  

“This year was a tough year for most farmers because there was very little rainfall, many crops wilted and died due to the dry and hot conditions. However, I managed to produce enough food for my family and was left with surplus grain for future use,” says Unganai.

“I was able to harvest over six tonnes of traditional grain, compared to last year where I had less than 3 tonnes. Although my maize did not do very well, I managed to salvage 2 tonnes of maize. Despite the poor rains, I harvested pearl millet and maize as well as groundnuts and some bambara nuts,” he adds. 

Unganai credits his success to adopting agroecological practices.

“I credit my farming success to the trainings on agroecology that we receive from Bio-Hub Trust and farmer-to-farmer interactions which allow for knowledge sharing among farmers from different regions,” says Unganai. 

“Before I started practising agroecology, I used to rely heavily on conventional agricultural methods which proved costly and detrimental to the environment. The harvests kept on deteriorating annually and my fields required more and more chemical inputs with less and less harvests annually. Through interacting with Bio-Hub Trust, I started receiving trainings which have capacitated me on sustainable farming which has boosted my crop output,” he adds. 

Kumikidzai Diza, (42), an Agricultural Technical Extension (AGRITEX) Officer says farmers should normalise planting traditional grains as a climate adaptation mechanism. 

“As an agronomist, I would encourage farmers to grow drought tolerant crops in order for them to realise sustainability in agriculture. Farmers should share knowledge, adopt holistic agricultural practices and participate in agroecology trainings in order to tap into the vast wealth of knowledge there is, for them to protect themselves from climate change shocks,” says Kumikidzai. 

Munyika Pachavo (48), another agroecology farmer from Shurugwi says agroecology trainings are critical in the struggle for food sovereignty in the face of climate change.

“I have found that agroecology trainings are an effective tool to help farmers realise agricultural success. I used to rely on conventional farming but ever since I began attending agroecology trainings, I have become food secure and self-sufficient,” says Munyika.

Unganai adds that he encourages farmers to go back to traditional farming methods of growing traditional grains in order to combat the effects of climate change. 

By Callisto Nhamo

Silas Moyo (34), a father of two who also lives with four extended family members says fish-farming working in synergy with poultry farming and gardening have enabled him to support his family’s financial and nutritional needs.

He says before he understood Agroecology and the concept of synergies, he struggled to provide sustainable income and food for his family.

Silas says it was the support of David Seth Foundation member, Schools and Colleges Permaculture (SCOPE) Zimbabwe, that brought relief to his family.  Working with SCOPE Zimbabwe he turned his one-hectare plot into a functional agroecological system that ensures synergy among the different elements of the system. 

“I have an organic garden where l produce horticultural products. I use the water from the fish ponds to water my crops and this provides proper nutrition for my plants and conserves water. The garden requires composting so I use chicken droppings to make a fertile compost for my crops,” says Silas.

Silas says ensuring that the elements of his system have synergy has strengthened the food, nutrition and income security of his family. He boasts that he started with 1 fishpond in October 2021 and now he has 4 ponds which have Tilapia fish. On average he earns USD400 in profits per pond after harvesting.

“As a father of two living with four other members of the extended family, l am under pressure to earn money so that l am able to buy my children some basic needs. Fish farming has helped me to generate income and I am happy that I am contributing towards the welfare of my family,” says Silas.

Chipo Nyamukungwa (24) the Programme Officer for SCOPE Zimbabwe says the goal of the work that her organisation is doing with farmers in ward 11 where Silas resides is to alleviate hunger.

“We are providing training to smallholder farmers like Silas so that they are able to produce food for their families. Our motto in the work we are promoting is, ‘grow your own, cook your own and eat your own,” says Chipo.

Ngonidzashe Gumbo (45) ward 11 Councillor says his ward is in one of the drought prone areas in Bikita and agroecology is contributing to the wellbeing of the community.

“I am glad to see that Silas and other farmers are partaking in different agroecological activities that are helping to alleviate food shortages in my ward. Their efforts are helping in creating healthy ecosystems in our community,” says Ngonidzashe.