I am Joshua Zinzombe, 38 years old, the CEO and Director of Greenfarms Organics. My journey in agriculture is more than just farming. I knew that agriculture wasn’t just about survival; it was about transformation, innovation, and empowerment.
I grew up in rural Zimbabwe in Shamva District at Rutherdale Village, where my parents and I farmed on a small scale. Even as a child, I saw farming as more than just a way to survive. If done right, I knew it could change lives, create wealth, and feed nations.
By the time I was 20 years old, I had honed my skills, and my efforts did not go unnoticed. The Government of Zimbabwe saw my potential and allocated a larger farming area in Ilton Farm in Mashonaland, allowing me to expand my production and diversify my crops. That moment was a turning point in my career—it allowed me to dream bigger and work harder.
Today, I grow many crops, including bell peppers, pawpaws, tomatoes, onions, carrots, garlic, maize, and soya beans. My dedication to horticulture has earned me recognition as one of Zimbabwe’s leading young farmers, and I have been honored with several awards. One of my proudest moments was receiving the Best Young Cotton Farmer of the Year 2024 award from the Government of Zimbabwe.
But for me, agriculture is not just about personal success—it’s about creating opportunities for others. At Greenfarms Organics, I lead a team of 12 full-time young workers, and during peak seasons, we employ over 50 casual workers. I firmly believe that young people are the driving force behind Africa’s agricultural revolution. We can transform Africa into the world’s breadbasket if we empower them.
Since my farm specializes in horticulture production, I have greatly benefited from the training and knowledge shared by the Centre for Coordination of Agriculture Research and Development in Southern Africa(CCARDESA) and Southern Africa Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU), two key agricultural organizations in the SADC region. These platforms have connected me with like-minded farmers and companies across Africa, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.
Sustainability is at the heart of my farming approach. One of my proudest achievements is establishing community organic horticulture gardens, which double as waste management centers. These gardens produce organic fertilizer and maggots to feed our chickens, creating a closed-loop system that maximizes resources and minimizes waste.
I understand firsthand rural farmers' challenges, especially limited access to information, markets, and resources. That’s why I developed an advanced mobile phone application tailored for rural farmers. This platform helps them connect with buyers, access valuable farming information, and stay updated on market trends—ensuring they remain competitive in today’s digital world.
I firmly believe that technology is a game-changer in agriculture. If we equip farmers with the right tools, even those in the most remote areas can compete globally.
Beyond farming, I am deeply committed to community development, food security, and youth empowerment. My vision is to inspire other young farmers to see agriculture as a career of innovation, impact, and economic opportunity.
“I want young people to understand that farming isn’t just about working the land—it’s about shaping the future. It’s about building Africa’s food systems and transforming our economies.”
Through Greenfarms Organics, I am on a mission to prove that farming is not just about planting crops—it’s about planting a legacy.
