The agricultural sector is vitally important for the economy of Zimbabwe
with 70% of the jobs and 43% of micro, small and medium enterprises
found in this sector.
Whilst the importance of agriculture is evident,
the agricultural sector is one of the most hazardous work environments
requiring special and priority attention.
The risks in this sector include handling of heavy materials,
strenuous work postures and long working hours.
Farmers further suffer exposure to harsh weather conditions,
agro-chemicals, pesticides and dust.
In small rural holdings,
the workplace also includes the family homestead
and affects living conditions.
Recognizing the potential
of enhanced productivity and quality improvements
to creating decent work in the rural economy;
the ILO in partnership with the Government, Employers and Workers organizations
is scaling up efforts to improve productivity, safety, health
and working conditions for small holder rural farmers.
This is being done through
the WIND (Work Improvement in Neighbourhood Development) methodology,
a participatory, action-oriented approach.
The training also touched on gender transformation in communities.
Mutoko district is one of the communities
that have benefitted from the interventions.
Farmers were supported to identify risks
and develop strategies to manage them.
Mr. and Mrs. Hondo where part of the group of the farmers
that participated in the trainings.
Some of the improvements the Hondo family made,
include the redesign of their workstations
and tools to ensure that they work in their fields with better postures.
They have also constructed a shade
to store inputs and to take breaks while at work,
as well as a make shift bathing station.
The improvements made by the family are not confined to their working conditions.
A heightened appreciation of risks in their living environment
encouraged the family to improve their welfare facilities.
A new and improved kitchen has been constructed at the home.
The kitchen was designed with WIND principles in mind.
The design made provisions for comfortable living spaces
and storage of utensils.
A key challenge in most rural home is the smoke from the cooking fire.
In addition to the chimney,
the Hondo’s placed their windows in a way that promotes cross ventilation.
After the completion of the new family kitchen,
The Hondo’s noticed that he had some waste metals lying around.
Applying some WIND principles,
they designed a tool that is similar to a rack
that they would use to draw lines
to mark their field in preparation for planting carrots.
It is also notable that the training appears to be
encouraging peer learning and cooperation among farmers in the community.
A number of farmers have come together and made improvements
that benefit the group and the community at large.
An example of this is a group of farmers in Chitora.
Farmers identified risks associated with the washing of carrots in muddy pits
and nearby streams.
The farmers collaborated in the design and construction of a washing bay.
The new bay is much more environmentally friendly,
safer for the farmers and improves the quality of their produce.
The farmers appear keen to make continuous improvements.