Women's food security and conservation farming in Zaka District-Zimbabwe

Changes in rainfall patterns because of climate alteration amongst other factors contributed towards a decline in food security in Zimbabwe's Zaka District-Ward 31. In response, women in Ward 31 adopted conservation agriculture since the 2005/6 agricultural season to address food insecurity and other problems experienced in the crop production system. The research was designed to evaluate the extent to which conservation agriculture led to increased food security in the semi-arid area. The researchers used the mixed method approach and collected data through key informant interviews, Focus Group Discussions and observations. It was evident from the research that the farmers who practised conservation agriculture whilst correctly following most of the prescribed components and engaging the relevant strategies were able to increase their food security in the dry part of the district. It concludes that female farmers constrained by: fencing, long dry spells and labour were incapacitated to effectively implement conservation agriculture hence failed to attain food security.