Ayanna Nahmias, Social Entrepreneur and Founder

Thanks for tuning in! We founded the Zimbabwe Farm Project using social entrepreneurship to create solutions for food scarcity through sustainable organic farming, clean water initiatives, training, and employment. Our mission is women’s empowerment and self-sufficiency and our objective is to positively sow into the lives of women living in rural farming communities in Africa. The Zimbabwe Farm Project @ https://africavertical.org is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Before installing the solar power system, the women of the Zimbabwe Farm Project were often forced to hand-water the fields because power was out. Since the irrigation system is powered by a submersible pump, when there is no electricity, the pump doesn’t work. Now that the project has solar power, a proven renewable energy solution, water is available on-demand to irrigate the fields.

Counting Chicks – Poultry Farming

One chick, two chicks, three chicks, more… We purchased 100 chicks for the poultry farm operation. Our poultry manager, Keresenzia Maponga, is charged with training other women how to care for the chicks, harvesting the eggs which are sold locally, and ensuring the health of the flock. They are so cute!!!!

Ox Drawn Plow Creating Ridges to Plant Potatoes

After the fields have been plowed and disced the next planting of crops can begin. To plant potatoes, ridging needs to be done. Also called “earthing up” it mounds the soil. It can be done with a tractor attachment; however, it is sometimes easier to rent an ox plow. Ridging enables the potato plants to stay upright as they grow and also facilitates keeping weeds and pests which damage the potatoes. After the ridging is complete the women will begin planting.

Chatting About Meeting People at Farm in January

When we travel to Zimbabwe we usually have a lot to do. This time I traveled there to meet the non-profit, ‘Print the Love,’ though I also conducted farm business. I stayed in a charming Airbnb with a woman whom I now call my African mother. I always enjoy being in Zim and as usual, the weather was lovely though the rainy season normally lasts from November to March; however, the recent drought resulted in absolutely bright sunny 70-degree weather.