Chipinge Cotton Farmers Plead With Government

By Success Majaramhepo

Cotton farmers in Chipinge have called upon the government to increase cotton buyers after the Cotton Company of Zimbabwe failed to pay for the produce despite having an agreement. At the same time, the company is being accused of abusing the office of the President to manipulate the local cotton farmers. The mere mentioning of the office of the President is allegedly used to cushion the company from being questioned by local cotton farmers. In Chipinge district, there used to be five cotton companies that included COTTCO. However, as of today there is only COTTCO operating in the district.

Speaking during a meeting hosted by Platform for youth and community Development (PYCD) Chipinge, Ward 25 Councilor Wishes Hama said cotton farmers have entered into contracts with COTCO which is now manipulating farmers paying them with groceries instead of honoring their agreement.

“COTCO has disappointed us as cotton farmers in Chipinge. We are growing cotton for nothing because we are not being paid as agreed in the initial agreement. The company had a unilateral decision on paying us using groceries instead of monetary terms and the sad part is that the groceries are not equivalent to our produce. We are urging the government to increase cotton buyers for the sake of fairness and value for money.” said Hama

Another farmer, Sekai Taruvinga from Ward 20 in Chipinge said they are no longer able to send their children to school.

“I ventured into cotton farming in the early 90s and that is our source of livelihood and security. I am having a nightmare as the capacity to send children to school is being compromised through what the company is paying us. What boggles my mind is how did the company to such a decision and how did they evaluate the produce?”

“In Chipinge we do not have large portions of land to grow cotton so we rely on other people's land which we pay rent annually. This season I don’t know how am I going to pay my Landlord since COTCO hasn’t paid me. I sold 3 bales of cotton but was only given 750 milliliters of cooking oil, so tell me where am I going to get money to pay my land lord,” said Taruvinga

PYCD Director Claris Madhuku said cotton farmers are considering abandoning cotton farming to Sesame which is not a good option considering that region 5 is more conducive to cotton Farming.

"Cotton farmers in Chipinge have spoken out loud and clear. If there is no meaningful platform for dialogue with Cotton Companies concerning the market, farmers are considering abandoning cotton farming to Sesame (Uninga). This will not be a good option considering that region 5 is more conducive for cotton farming which has largely been responsible for sustaining 90 percent of peasant farmers in the area," said Madhuku.

However, the company is confirming paying cotton farmers in groceries but is putting the blame on the liquidity crunch currently facing the country.

“We have been paying some of the farmers using groceries. We are not reneging on the contracts we entered with the farmers, but we are giving them a choice of either receiving cash or groceries. As a company, we had committed to pay the farmers in United States dollars, cash in local currency or through mobile transfers, but due to the liquidity crunch, we have been forced to opt for the groceries. Farmers can either take the groceries or wait for cash as we are not forcing anyone.” Pious Manamike who the COTTCO Managing Director said

Chipinge is an agrarian society and PYCD has chipped in by working with various civic society groups to address issues affecting livelihoods in communities.

 

Chipinge Community Celebrates move to Curb Human-Wildlife Conflict

By Success Majaramhepo

Chipinge district has had challenges pertaining to human – wildlife conflict. This has posed a direct and recurring threat to the livelihood and safety of people in the community, and this has led to the persecution of wildlife and also the destruction of property and human life. People in the community have had their livelihood, security and wellbeing affected by the ravaging wildlife from the Save Conservancy.

This phenomenon became prominent after the Fast Track Land Reform programme that allowed people to invade farms for resettlement. However, there was no clarity on the status of the Save Conservancy in relation to the land reform programme.

“The greatest challenge we have right now is that people encroached into the conservancy and in the process destroyed the perimeter fence.” One of the game warden responded to us on condition of anonymity. “As we try to resolve the matter, what is still outstanding is the erection of the boundary fence. If we opt for the pre- land reform boundary, people will be found inside the conservancy and if we create a new boundary, the land size of the conservancy will be greatly reduced.”

A local youth and community development organization, Platform for Youth and Community Development (PYCD) convened a public meeting in Chibuwe to appraise the community on the process that is being done to curb human – wildlife conflict.

In the meeting, PYCD director Claris Madhuku said that, “human and wildlife conflict have persisted since 2015 with the government taking very little formalities to solve the problem. Since there was no commitment from the government to solve the problem PYCD chipped in as a community-based organization. We saw that it was better to solve community problems as a community,”

In 2015, PYCD wrote a letter to the government, through the portfolio committee on Environment,Water,Tourism and Hospitality Industry highlighting the challenges being faced by the community and how their livelihood and security are under constant threat from marauding wild animals like buffalos, elephants and lions. In the same year, the former Minister of Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Oppah Muchinguri visited the area along the Save Conservancy and was appraised on 450 livestock that was lost by the people in the community. Her assurances of a solution to the problem never materialized. The 450 livestock were lost to lion and wild dogs attack.  

 “We went to Kariba, Hwange and Mahenye to see how the Campfire concept is being carried out and after the tour we lobbied the ward 20 councilor Mr Charles Mugidho to raise this in the council meeting. The councilor went on to have a meeting with environmental stakeholders to discuss the issue. As PYCD we are happy that our proposal for a Campfire concept has been adopted at the council level and there are chances that human and wildlife conflicts will be the thing of the past.” Said Madhuku.

When the Campfire’s adoption by the local authority was tabled before the community, the community was very receptive to the idea and happy to note that the challenge is being resolved locally.

“We are very happy to hear that there are moves to resolve the conflict between us people and wild animals. This community has suffered immensely from this conflict, and it is refreshing to note that a solution is on the way. We are indeed happy.” Catherine Vhutuza, a community member was ecstatic when she heard the Campfire concept being adopted.  

Councillor for Ward 20 Charles Mugidho applauded PYCD for their proposal saying they hope the Campfire project will help them to end this catastrophe.

“We thank PYCD for serving our community because we have lost our loved ones and our animals from lion, buffalo and elephant attacks. We talked to the government and Zimparks to help us as a community but it was a nightmare. As a community we hope that Campfire Concept will help us to minimize the bad effects of the conflict which has grave consequences for the farming sector,” said Mugidho.

Drive to Curb Early Marriages Chipinge

By Success Majaramhepo.

Platform for Youth and Community Development (PYCD) a youth advocacy group has launched a programme which seeks to curb sexual abuse and early child marriage in Chipinge.

The programme named Kungoma was launched after the organisation discovered an upsurge in sexual abuse and unwanted pregnancies which PYCD gender and advocacy Officer Cynthia Gwenzi attributed to lack of information on sexual health.

“Teenage girls are exposed to sexual abuse and unwanted pregnancy due to lack of empowering information about their sexuality in our area. So to empower them, PYCD introduced the Kungoma project where teens are privileged to interact with a mentor in the form of an aunt or uncle about these issues,” said Gwenzi.

She said the mentors will educate teenagers on safe ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

“We have noticed that adolescence lacks information empowered from their parents due to modernization, so the mentors will be trained to counsel about safe ways to avoid unwanted pregnancy and sexual abuse,” she said

PYCD Gender activist Memory Khosa said the programme will play the parental role for the teenagers.

“Kungoma will motivate adolescence who are now indulging in unprotected sex due to lack of parental support as well as the cost and unavailability of contraceptives in shops.  Uncles and aunties will cover the gape of parents and children,” said Khosa.

She said the mentorship lessons will focus on discussing their anatomy and will allow them to air their views including challenges they are facing.

“Mentors will have time with teens to discuss the details about their anatomy while answering private questions and fears. Chipinge is one of the country’s hotspots in terms of early child marriages and child rights abuse due to poverty and cultural practices, so we hope this programme will help us to curtail this catastrophe,” she said

 Statement on the Commemoration of the International Human Rights Day

As we come to the end of our 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, the Platform for Youth and Community Development (PYCD) joins the  world in commemorating the International Human Rights Day.

The theme of the 2019 International Human Rights Day, Youth Standing Up for Human Rights resonates well with our 2019 – 2023 strategic thrust which calls for a well-trained, mentored and nurtured young people with life skills in Manicaland Province. The 2019 – 2023 strategic thrust is buttressed by our programming and implementation that places young people at the centre of community development initiatives as we strongly believe that they are the drivers and agents of transformation and social change.

We call upon policy makers and community stakeholders to provide a conducive environment in which young people can enjoy their inalienable human rights. From our programming, we have realised that young people play an integral part in advancing social justice, democracy and peace in local communities.  Despite the young people’s passion for human rights, their contribution has been undermined by our political leadership who view young people as political cannon fodder and spectator partners for the full realisation of a human rights culture in Zimbabwe.

The upholding of human rights in Zimbabwe has become a challenge, with human rights abuses increasing at an alarming rate. This has exposed young people to serious challenges which limit their freedoms of assembly and expression. Having realised that they are growing up in a context marked by serious human rights violations, pervasive poverty and weak social controls, the young people have been exposed to a vampire world yet with little coping mechanisms to advance the principles of human rights in local communities.

PYCD is closely working with young people to socialise them to value human rights based approaches as a solution that brings about social cohesion, good health, political tolerance and economic growth.

Ward 20 Councillor bemoans early marriages and school drop outs in Chibuwe.

Speaking at a Family Fun Day in Chibuwe organised by Platform for Youth and Community Development (PYCD) on the 5th of December 2019, Councillor Charles Mugidho Mahlonga bemoans the rising cases of early marriages in Chibuwe.

" The fun day is happening alongside the commemoration of 16 days of activism against Gender based violence and I am here to express my concern on early marriages; children as young as 12 years are getting married .The children are running into marriage instead of focusing on education" Councillor Mugidho said.

Councillor Mugidho has been working with community stakeholders in denouncing child pledging and other forms of child marriages. However, there have been worrisome cases of children being involved in child pledging due to adequate and effective awareness on harmful cultural practices. Most children in the community are exposed to irresponsible men

" We have agreed with the traditional leadership to denounce child pledging but it's shocking to see the children we are protecting getting married .At Chibuwe high I have received reports of girls who have dropped out of school " He added.

PYCD was commended on its role in denouncing harmful cultural practices through various activities in ward 20 that included awareness and a stakeholder approach to the human and wildlife conflict.

The Family Fun Day was held to interface with the victims and survivors of cyclone Idai disaster which caused untold damage in Chipinge and Chimanimani. The tropical cyclone Idai, a natural disaster that hit Chimanimani and Chipinge districts in March 2019, caused flooding and left a trail of destruction. Chibuwe was one of the most affected areas in Chipinge district, with Chibuwe Primary School losing a block of toilets that was serving the more than 2000 learners at the school. The tropical cyclone Idai was intricately linked to the concept of social vulnerability and it disrupted the social functioning of people by destroying the common forms of survival such as food security, health, education and other related aspects of humanity in the community.

The Family Fun Day at Chibuwe Primary School acted as a way to bring people in the community together through cultural events and various activities that offer psycho – social support.

Sex workers in Checheche bemoans lack of confidentiality at St Peters hospital

Artwel Chingwara

Speaking at a focus group discussion at Checheche organised by the Platform for Youth and Community Development (PYCD) Gender desk; Sex workers complained of the publication of their health status which lead them to lose customers and even reluctant to seek medical help

“The medical staff at the local hospital (name supplied) doesn't respect our privacy and confidentiality when we go to seek medical help on sexual transmitted infections. This has made many of us not to seek urgent treatment making the infections get into serious stage" Said Chipo,who is one of the familiar and regular visitors to the PYCD Drop In centre in Checheche.

She went on to say her friend nearly died of genital watts as she feared to go to the local hospital and ended up resorting to traditional remedies which could not help.

PYCD Gender Wellness and Advocacy Officer Ms Cynthia Gwenzi urged the sex workers not to delay seeking medical attention. She went on to suggest to them to continue visiting the nearest clinics since her organisation would come to their help by engaging with the hospital staff. Despite this assurance, the sex workers complained that the treatment they were getting was inhumane in addition to the fact that the charges are expensive and unaffordable considering the little they get after providing services.

"We don't have money to seek medical help at other centres since we charge smaller amounts moreover customers are now low because of the economic situation. We beg PYCD to talk with the local hospital staff to respect patients’ privacy and confidentiality; if that is sorted we will feel free to be treated”.

Said one of the vocal participants identified only as Mai Tee.

This important discussion came at a time when PYCD has joined the international community in celebrating 16 days of activism against Gender based violence under the theme "ORANGE THE WORLD: GENDERATION EQUALITY STANDS AGAINST RAPE"

This year's theme resonates with the efforts PYCD have been making in undertaking its endeavour to empower young women and girls against harmful cultural practices.

The achievement of Goal 5 on Gender Equality by 2030 requires urgent action to eliminate the many root causes of discrimination that still curtail women’s rights in private and public spheres. Eliminating gender-based violence is a priority, given that this is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world today.

Vheneka village welcomes the message to speak out against violence

Cheriel Dzobo

There was consensus by the women who were participants to a women hearing in Vheneka village, that speaking out about their experiences of abuse and violence was one of the surest ways of eliminating violence against women and girls in Chipinge district.

Ms Cynthia Gwenzi who was the guest visitor for the hearing, encouraged the women to speak out and fight the tendency of suffering in silence. She went on to say that tolerating gender based violence and rape is tantamount to violence as this lead to more people falling victims. The women who attended the hearing session were notified of the existence of a drop in centre at the PYCD Offices. The main purpose of the drop in centre is to receive and document all cases of violence against women including harmful cultural practices that hinder women’s positive contribution to the development of our community. Women who come to the centre are offered counselling and other relevant skills to institute the process of apprehending perpetrators of gender based violence.

The women hearing attracted 25 women from Vheneka who were mobilised to speak out about their personal experiences in response to the various challenges in the ward which includes early child marriages, school drop outs, wife beating and high cases of divorce.

Women who attended appreciated the role of PYCD for enlightening them to understand that they have a voice and were equal partners for development together with their male counterparts.

“Women hearing has been part of our response to afford women an environment and platform that is free of men so that the participants can freely reflect and plan on the best way to end GBV and early child marriages” Cynthia Gwenzi , PYCD Gender Wellness and Advocacy Officer reiterated

The Women Hearing in Vheneka was organised as part of PYCD’s commemoration of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence that is being held under the theme: Orange the World: Generation Equality stands against Rape. Vheneka village is found in ward 27 of Chipinge South constituency. There has been numerous reports of gender based violence in the ward, and it becomes imperative to hold a women hearing session. The women hearing in Vheneka village aimed to prevent gender-based violence through a consultative approach.

The women hearing in Vheneka brought to the fore the main challenge for violence prevention as the absence of health or social services. The absence of health and social services expose the village with little support with which to intervene in cases of gender based violence. There is little police intervention, and the village is left to police the situation themselves. On the other hand, there is also little social services support for women victims, and therefore, the priority for the village then becomes the maintenance of the status quo rather than protection of the woman experiencing abuse or violence.