Zimbabwe youths champion organic fertiliser

These young leaders earned a fellowship that includes seed funding, mentorship, and access to a network of young global change-makers to pursue impactful projects in their communities. A collaboration between the Mastercard Foundation and The Resolution Project, the Resolution Social Venture Challenge provides a pathway to action for socially responsible young leaders who want to create change that matters in their communities.

The Agrimatters team is excited about the possibilities that Greenfert represents for the community, as a product that is not only environmentally friendly but also reduces health problems in human beings.

“It was recently discovered that concentrations of nitrates in water bodies have risen by 50 percent over the past five years. According to Domboshava medical reports, five children per 25 households were diagnosed with diseases related to nitrate poisoning in 2015,” said Clive.

In addition, properties of natural soils, such as drainage conditions, salinity, and subsoil characteristics, continue to weaken by eight percent after every year of using synthetic fertilizers, resulting in even poorer agricultural yields over time.

Clive is excited that the Agrimatters Initiative will not only produce Greenfert fertilizer for farmers, but will also create employment for youth in Zimbabwe.

“The Agrimatters team is committed to community. That is why we use the slogan ‘grown by nature to feed the world’. We are ensuring better yields for farmers, improving their productivity and soil fertility. We are reducing childhood illness and mortality due to contaminated water. We’re creating jobs for youth and building a healthier, more prosperous, and more engaged community,” said Clive.

Clive and Lincoln cannot hide their joy at being recipients of the Social Venture Challenge.

“I have always been inspired by the Resolution Fellows. Like them, I want to apply my skills, strengths, technical knowledge, and abilities to enhance the success and development of communities,” said Lincoln.

They attribute much of their early success to their wider team, which includes Betty Mafemera, a senior student at Cottey College in the US, along with eight interns from the University of Zimbabwe.

“I am proud to be part of a group of young, socially responsible leaders who plan to take good care of the community and the environment that surrounds them,” concluded Clive.

 By Pius Sawa for Project Syndicate

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