Zimbabwean Farmer Beats Drought to Grow Food

My name is a Venensia Mukarati, a holder of a Bachelor in Technology Degree in Accounting from the University of Zimbabwe, a Master’s Degree in Business Studies from Gloucesteshire University in the United Kingdom a mother of two daughters and the founder of 160 HydroFarm Zimbabwe. I have always had a passion for farming from a young age. My girls have seen me growing our food but I wanted a new method that could be easy to run and commercialize as well as lure them into farming. Which I have managed successfully after I stumbled upon Aquaponics which led to the discovery of Hydroponics.

There is something addictive about planting a seed, watching it germinate and grow, this has been a huge drive in seeing through my hobby of farming. The journey of hydroponics farming has been thrilling and full of learning experiences and experiments. I now have 5 running systems and am expanding in my own backyard. I started with only iceberg lettuce and they now have 5 lettuce varieties, herbs, tomatoes and micro-greens. My products are being supplied to a few outlets including Kava Supermarket Willowmead and Hometown Sam Levy’s as well as some really supportive individuals who are in love with fresh greens.

As a female pioneer in Hydroponics in Zimbabwe, I learnt that it is not a challenge to build up an idea. Women in farming need new innovative ideas and this project is heading in the right direction. It’s easy to set up and run. A great way for females that need their own project and income. I conduct trainings on hydroponics. However, during March and April 2019 my trainings will be for women only to hopefully empower and inspire more women.

I am proud to say 160 HydroFarm’s journey is only just beginning and we are ecstatic!

Source – Women in Agriculture