In the vibrant heart of Zimbabwe, a remarkable transformation was unfolding in Mapirimira Ward. It was 2024 when Mejury Makume, a young and determined woman, was selected as a model farmer under the BRICZIM Project. This initiative is a partnership between Oxfam and the Bethany Project in Zvishavane District, dedicated to enhancing agricultural productivity through comprehensive training and resource support.

With guidance from dedicated Agritex officers, Mejury immersed herself in advanced farming techniques, mastering critical skills such as soil health management and crop diversification. The Bethany Project empowered her with essential tools for success, providing gypsum fertilizer, high-yield groundnut seeds, and orange fruit tree seedlings. These resources became the cornerstone of her newfound success.

Mejury meticulously applied her training, diligently optimizing soil fertility and nurturing her crops. Under her attentive care, her groundnuts flourished, showcasing the fruits of her labor. In 2025, her hard work culminated in an extraordinary achievement: she won the prestigious Agronomy Field Day in her ward, outshining even the most experienced farmers in the district. The superior quality of her groundnuts, a testament to the robust support she received from the Bethany Project, played a pivotal role in her victory, establishing her as a rising star in agriculture.

Emboldened by her achievement, Mejury made a commitment to expand and diversify her farming enterprise, understanding the crucial link between agriculture and community well-being. She envisioned promoting food security and nutrition among her neighbors by integrating more nutrient-rich crops into her fields, including beans, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens, alongside her thriving groundnuts and citrus trees.

Her story became a beacon of inspiration, especially for young women aspiring to make their mark in agriculture. Mejury’s journey demonstrated that with knowledge, resources, and unwavering perseverance, smallholder farmers could achieve remarkable success.

As a role model under the BRICZIM Project, Mejury now advocates for sustainable farming practices. She is dedicated to mentoring other aspiring farmers while scaling her own agribusiness into a diverse, productive, and resilient enterprise. Mejury often reflects on her journey with the words:

“With determination and the right support, we can cultivate not just our land, but also our dreams.” – Says Mejury

Her experiences underscore the transformative power of targeted agricultural support and the untapped potential of youth and women in driving rural development.