MIMI THE FARMER

By NOELIYOMBWA

FOR MANY years, farming has been considered to be an activity meant for men and in most casesthe old and retired.

Twenty five year old Mirriam Mutambo also known as Mimi the farmer is one of the young women farmers who are changing the narrative.

Having been inspired by her mother Mirriam made it clear that she wanted to be a farmer hence in 2021 Mirriam ventured into farming.

"I was born on the Copperbelt in Ndola. I am aged 25years, am based in Lusaka Zambia am the second born in a family of 4.

"I studied Entrepreneurship and psychosocial counseling I must admit that challenges are always there but it is the way you handle those challenges and having the spirit of not giving up,'' she said.

Despite her hard work and passion for farming, Mirriam does not own a big piece of land hence she has been doing her farming activities on a sizeable piece of land.

She bemoaned the shortage of water at the same piece of land where she grows maize ,cabbages, sweet pepper and onions.

"I currently do not have a farm, am doing my farming activities under ZESCO power lines on a  30 by 50 piece of land ,praying to have my own farm soon.

"I have been facing challenges with water on the same land. I am experienced in Maize, cabbage, Onion and sweet pepper productions.

"Farming is not for the old or retired people, its an investment, full time job that is making youths millionaires, through being  innovative and being exposed to new technological techniques, "she said.

She noted that young people especially graduates have the tendency of waiting for formal employment either in government or private sectors.

She said it is high time young people consider farming a full time source of income.

Ms. Mutambo further said once young and energetic people engage in farming, the country's food security can be secured.

"Some individuals consider farming as a hobby but that should not be the case let us consider farming as a full time business which should done all year round.

"Another thing is that you do not need a large piece of land to kick start, you can start on a small piece of land and what matters is the type of crops that you grow, "she said.

She further advised the would be farmers to always research and consult people who are already in the sector.

Ms. Mutambo noted that once the would be farmers research and consult they are able to make the right move and avoid regretting venturing into farming.

She explained that the effects of climate change has had very devastating impact on the food security hence for young people to come on board with improved farming methods for food security to be secured.

Ms. Mutambo also noted that if more people are engaged in farming the country can have more food thereby eradicating poverty.

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