Inyathi Farm
Cultivating Hope and Transformation in Zimbabwe
In the south-western region of Zimbabwe, communities served by the Zimbabwe Synod of the United Congregational Church in Southern Africa (UCCSA) carry the weight of a painful history. The 1980s genocide left many hurt, brokenhearted, and traumatized. Survivors—particularly women and youth—faced not only emotional scars but also poverty, hunger, and disillusionment. For some, the trauma led to struggles with drugs and substance abuse.
Amid this backdrop, the UCCSA has committed to taking the gospel beyond the walls of the church, bringing hope and transformation into public spaces. One such space is Inyathi Farm, where the Church has implemented agricultural initiatives designed to address both spiritual and socioeconomic needs. Through horticulture and animal husbandry, the farm has become a beacon of opportunity for communities in the Makhaza Nkala region.
For residents, Inyathi Farm represents more than crops and livestock—it is a lifeline. “The farm is helping me a lot because of working within the farm,” says Sehliselo Khumalo, who grew up near Inyathi. “It makes me get something to put in my pocket because people come here and buy cabbages and maize cobs to feed their families. When I look at the farm, it is so helpful because of the things we sell such as sweet potatoes and maize and cabbage which is bought by the community. It helps the community especially during drought seasons.”
The farm’s impact extends beyond individual income. Elizabeth Sibanda, a local resident, notes, “As community members, we find the Inyathi farm (Garden) very helpful. There was little water in the past but we saw the farm with big water containers and now watering a big area. As a community we now are able to get buckets of maize that will feed our children. This farm had one employee but now we see the farm with more employees and also creates employment for the community and children who want to continue with their education.”
Indeed, Inyathi Farm has grown into a center for employment, food security, and economic sustainability. Marko Tshabalala, the farm caretaker, emphasizes the life-changing role of the project: “The youth, community members and church members get employed at the farm.”
Through initiatives like Inyathi Farm, the Church demonstrates that ministry is not only about preaching but also about tangible action—meeting needs, alleviating poverty, and building hope. The farm reflects the UCCSA’s commitment to taking the gospel into public spaces, nurturing both the land and the lives of those it touches. As the community continues to grow and thrive, the Church prays for continued blessings and the enduring impact of its mission, ensuring that faith and practical action together cultivate a brighter future for all.