FACHIG is a unique farmers’ organization in Zimbabwe, operating since 1999. Here’s what sets them apart:
- Grassroots and Member-Driven: Based in Mashonaland Central province, FACHIG is owned and operated by its members (over 12,600 strong).
- Focus on Women: Notably, 73% of FACHIG’s members are women, making it one of the few female-led farmer organizations in the country.
- National Reach: While grounded in local communities (Rushinga, Mt. Darwin, Muzarabani, and Guruve districts), FACHIG also has national influence through the Federal Cotton Producers Association (FCPA), a commodity association under its umbrella.
A Center for Community Development:
FACHIG empowers local communities to achieve their social, economic, and democratic goals. They do this by:
- Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture: FACHIG advocates for sustainable farming practices that consider gender equality and value chain development.
- Empowering Communities for Sustainable Livelihoods: FACHIG equips women, men, and youth with the skills and knowledge they need to organize themselves effectively. This empowers them to address local challenges and build sustainable livelihoods
Multi-Tiered Structure:
FACHIG’s strength lies in its well-organized structure:
- Village Level: The foundation is built on voluntary Investment Groups (IGs) of 5-15 farmers each.
- Community Level: Multiple IGs come together to form Community Self-Help Investment Groups (CHIGs). There are currently 24 CHIGs across the four districts.
- District Level: CHIGs join forces to form District Farmers’ Associations (DFAs) – four currently exist.
- Provincial Level: District associations unite to form the provincial Farmers’ Association of Community Self-Help Investment Groups (FACHIG).
This multi-tiered structure ensures strong local representation and efficient decision-making within FACHIG.
Key Point: It’s important to note that the high female membership (70%) is reflected throughout FACHIG’s structure