𝟏𝟐 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞+ 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐮𝐫

A 12-member Canadian delegation visited the Nemakonde Landscape in Chimanimani District, under Chief Mutambara, for a learning tour.

The visit focused on TSURO Trust’s implementation of the Nature+ Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) and Alongside Hope (formerly PWRDF).

The delegation praised the project’s implementation and the positive impact it has achieved.

Led by Leona Lortie, Public Engagement Manager at the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, the delegation met with TSURO Trust management and the Nature+ team.

They later toured the Nemakonde Landscape, gaining first- hand insight into various agroecology farming principles in practice.

The delegation visited the Makaya and Muusha homesteads, where they observed the practical application of agroecology farming principles taught to all project participants.

The new farming practices showcased included the use of diverse crop varieties and demonstration plots featuring green manure cover crops, crops grown on land previously impacted by livestock, and those cultivated using organic fertilizers.

A control plot was also established for comparison, highlighting the effectiveness of these sustainable farming techniques.

The delegation was also exposed to the integrated agroecology farming principles, incorporating bee keeping and mushroom farming as livelihood projects and nursery seedling project which is aimed at regenerating and re-greening of the environment.

The learning tour also took the delegation to the Holistic Land and Livestock Management site, where they gained a deeper appreciation of its connection to sustainable farming practices.

At Village Head Judy’s homestead, they had the unique opportunity to experience and prepare traditional African cuisine, further immersing themselves in local culture.

Over the course of the two-day tour, the delegation engaged with project participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Nature+ Project and first-hand experience of the progress achieved this year.

They were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm of the participants, the effectiveness of project implementation, and the tangible results, which indicate a promising harvest in the Nemakonde landscape.

In an interview at the conclusion of the tour, Michael Koetsier, a volunteer with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB), expressed his admiration for the innovation in diverse cropping practices, noting that participants had fully embraced these sustainable approaches.

Similarly, Nancy Smith highlighted the participants’ passion and commitment to the project. She acknowledged the complexity of the initiative—encompassing trial plots, seed saving, climate change adaptation, and gender inclusion—while commending TSURO Trust for its professional execution.

Through the Nature+ Project, TSURO Trust aims to create opportunities for communities to contribute to sustainable development goals, particularly in poverty eradication.

The initiative is committed to achieving zero hunger by fostering sustainable food systems and ensuring long-term food and nutrition security.