A GROUP of young farmers have started a silent painting campaign in Zhanje/Mutowodzwa village in Mashonaland East province to advocate for agroecology and sustainable food systems.
The initiative, held under the theme Voices on Canvas: Youth Farmers Paint for Agroecology, saw participants transform trees, fields and riverbanks to visual displays reflecting their lived experiences and proposed solutions.
Climate Action Network Zimbabwe national co-ordinator Wellington Madumira said there was an urgent need to shift agricultural investment.
“As the world faces rising food prices, climate shocks and inequality, how we invest in agriculture shapes our future,” he said.
“Agroecology is a pathway to resilient food systems, healthy communities and a just economy, but it remains underfunded.”
Food Justice Network programmes co-ordinator Vimbai Nhengu said current financing models favoured large-scale industrial agriculture at the expense of smallholder farmers.
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“If we are serious about tackling hunger, climate change and inequality, we must redirect investments towards solutions that work for people and the planet,” she said.
Her sentiments were echoed by the organisation’s director, Roselilly Ushewekunze, who stressed the importance of food sovereignty and community-led farming systems.
Meanwhile, Fight Inequality Alliance programmes officer Ellaine Chiedza Manyere highlighted gaps in climate financing.
“Climate finance often fails to reach smallholder farmers due to complex systems,” she said.
“There is need to simplify access and prioritise local institutions.”
Some of the participating farmers said the campaign gave them an opportunity to share their lived experiences.
Brenda Wakuwa, a young farmer, said art helped them to communicate their challenges and solutions.
“Through painting, we showed drought, poor soils and lack of support, but also how agroecology is helping us to survive,” she said.
Another farmer, Esther Shayimana, said indigenous knowledge systems remained key to sustainable agriculture.
“We have always known how to work with nature. What we need is support to strengthen these practices,” she said.
The farmers called for increased investment in sustainable agriculture, renewable energy and policies that prioritise smallholder farmers.
They urged global leaders to address debt burdens and inequality affecting developing countries.