Foundations for Farming June Update – Matabeleland Region

Fountain of Hope would like to express sincere gratitude to Bright Hope World for your continued support of the Foundations for Farming initiative across the Matabeleland South and North provinces of Zimbabwe. Your investment is helping transform some of the most marginalized communities in Zimbabwe—places where hope often feels distant, yet continues to grow through faithful partnership.

We especially extend our thanks for your support of Mr Maxwell Ncube, our devoted Agriculture Officer. His commitment to serving and mentoring farmers in these remote, dry communities is producing lasting fruit.

2024-25 Farming Season Overview

The Matabeleland provinces fall under Climatic Region V, the driest and most vulnerable agricultural zone in Zimbabwe. Rainfall patterns in this region are consistently below average, and the 2024–2025 season was no exception.

Mtshazo & Majiji 

Received extremely limited rainfall, resulting in severe crop wilting and minimal harvests. Farmers laboured faithfully, but nature was harsh and unyielding.

Mthombothemba

Fared comparatively better than surrounding areas. While rainfall was still below normal, there was a modest yield from those who followed Foundations for Farming principles.

Gwakwe & Sibona

Experienced similar challenges to Mtshazo and Majiji—poor rains, widespread crop failure, and growing food insecurity.

Current Issues and Challenges

Food Security Situation

As of this report, hunger and starvation are increasing across these communities. The combination of poor soil, scarce rains, and economic vulnerability makes survival difficult. Yet through it all, farmers remain resilient—many continuing to apply biblical farming principles and trust God for breakthrough.

2025–2026 Farming Season Proposal

Despite the challenges, Fountain of Hope is resolved to continue the work of transformation. With Bright Hope World's ongoing partnership, we envision the following:

Training & Expansion
• Continue mentoring trained farmers in all five communities to deepen their understanding of Foundations for Farming.
• Identify new farmers for training—especially youth and women—to equip them as community role models.
• Encourage early land preparation, a key principle of Foundations for Farming.

Adaptation Strategies
• Promote small-scale conservation agriculture techniques to retain moisture in dry soils.
• Introduce drought-tolerant seed varieties, when possible, through donor support.
• Encourage mulching and planting basins to improve water retention.

Spiritual Integration
• Establish Bible Study Clubs in each community to provide spiritual nourishment alongside agricultural training.
• Encourage community prayer gatherings focused on hope, healing, and restoration of the land.

Comments

The people of Mtshazo, Mthombothemba, Majiji, Gwakwe, and Sibona may be geographically isolated, but they are not forgotten. Your support is helping them rediscover dignity, resilience, and the powerful truth that God is with them—even in Region V.

Thank you, Bright Hope World, for being a vessel of hope in the driest places.

Blessings,

Gideon & Jennifer
Fountain of Hope Foundation