Retired Police Now a Commercial Farmer

Childhood Dreams

As a young girl, Cecilia Ndlovu never imagined herself as a farmer. Growing up in the bustling city of Bulawayo, her childhood dreams revolved around becoming a police detective. And that was exactly what she did – for over 30 years.

Retirement

But after retiring from the police force, Cecilia found herself at a crossroads. She wasn’t ready to settle for a life which depends on an inadequate pension scheme and sought out new challenges to earn income and keep her occupied. That’s when she stumbled upon the world of farming, a completely unfamiliar terrain for her.

“Soon after my retirement from being a police detective I realized I had no any other source of income for survival besides pension. The pension allowance was not enough, I then decided to start farming in Sanyathi at my parent’s plot,” Cecelia said, “Later on I found my own piece of land near Bulawayo where I stay.”

Pivoting

Despite this, Cecilia immediately in her 60s embraced the idea of becoming a farmer and dove headfirst into the business. She sought out advice and training from local farming experts and was soon ready to start her own commercial farm.

Establishing her farm in Hini, a small agricultural town outside Bulawayo, Cecilia began growing maize, rapoko, and beans. Her farming skills may have started from scratch, but her passion for the job quickly took flight. And before she knew it, Cecilia became one of the town’s most respected farmers, selling tonnes of grains every year to the GMB.

Success Didn’t Come Easy

Cecilia’s success didn’t come easy. She has had to deal with numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather patterns, soil depletion, and high input prices. But she has persevered, and her determination has been key to her success.

As Cecilia reflects on her farming journey, she is proud of how far she has come and grateful for her hard work and the support of her family. She hopes to inspire others in her community to take up farming, despite any reservations they might have.

Life-changing Opportunities

Today, Cecilia’s story is a testament to the life-changing opportunities that can arise when one is willing to take risks and put in the hard work. She may have never imagined becoming a farmer, but now her farm has become an integral part of her identity, and she is living proof of the old saying “where there is a will, there is a way.”

Agriculture as a backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy.

Backbone of Zimbabwe

Agriculture has always been the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, providing livelihoods and food for millions of people. With over 80% of the population living in rural areas, agriculture remains the main source of income for many families.

Fertile Soils

The country’s fertile soils, combined with the abundance of water resources, allow for a variety of crops to be grown, including maize, tobacco, cotton, and sugarcane. Zimbabwe is also known for its high-quality coffee and tea production, which is exported to international markets.

Sustaining the Economy

Despite the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, such as droughts and economic instability, farmers continue to play a vital role in sustaining the economy. The government has recognized the importance of agriculture and has put in place policies to support smallholders.