Publications

This manual was written for primary school pupils and primary school leavers in the banana growing valleys of Zimbabwe. It is designed to equip the pupil or school leaver with basic skills and knowledge needed to grow bananas commercially. It gives suggestions on how to grow bananas, and recommendations on how to make a business out of growing and selling them.

Over 70% of secondary school pupils fail to obtain a full certificate and do not have relevant skills to provide for a reasonable livelihood within local conditions. This module has been developed on the assumption that people in certain areas of Zimbabwe make a living on the farming of fruits such as bananas, and it therefore hopes to fill a gap by providing relevant education to learners in banana growing localities.

This framework can be used by primary schools to practically teach children new methods and skills in banana growing. In the area where this framework was developed, new agronomic practices in banana farming were introduced to farmers. Their children were however not included in this transfer of knowledge and skills, even though many will be the farmers of tomorrow. Learning these methods and inputs can increase production and improve the quality of produce.

This framework can be used by schools to practically teach children new methods and skills in banana growing. In the area where this framework was developed, new agronomic practices in banana farming were introduced to farmers. Their children were however not included in this transfer of knowledge and skills, even though many will be the farmers of tomorrow. Learning these methods and inputs can increase production and improve the quality of produce.