ZIM-SHEP　Project News vol.24 (June2024) "SHEP ToT in Matabeleland north and South in March and April 2024"

The ZIM-SHEP team conducted SHEP Training of Trainers (ToT) in Matabeleland North province in March and Matabeleland South province in April 2024. A total of 16 agriculture officers from each province took part in the training. Participants included provincial, district, Agricultural Extension Supervisors (AES) and Agriculture Extension Officers (AEO).

The SHEP ToT is an intensive three-day program consisting of a series of lectures and practical exercises. The participatory training gives extension officers hands on knowledge and skills to implement SHEP approach activities in the field. Topics that were covered included the importance of record keeping, market survey, crop selection and crop calendar making.

In the Market Survey exercise, participants conduct a mock interview with local buyers from Entumbane open market. Participants have gained confidence in through the practical exercise.

In the SHEP ToT of Matabeleland South, the Provincial Director of AGRITEX graced the occasion and gave important insights into the Crop Calendar and Action Plan Making to better understand SHEP. He further proposed that a sensitization workshop be conducted for the 4 non-SHEP districts as they scale up the project. Overall, participants developed action plans that would guide them in the implementation of SHEP activities.

The next activity planned is the ZIM-SHEP's Participatory Baseline Survey to be conducted in each target district.