The From Communal to Commercial (C to C) Farmer model aims to transforms smallholder farmers' mindset and practices from subsistence to semi-commercial farming, combating poverty and ensuring food security while protecting the environment. Launched in Guruve District, Mashonaland Central province in 2019, the project empowers 157 farmers to transition to semi-commercial farming, contributing to Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 goals.
Farmers are organized into groups, engaging in diversified agriculture and small livestock production. Each family has a 5 hectares for commercial farming and 0.5 hectares for subsistence farming. The project collaborates with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture and Rural Resettlement to create a replicable model. By teaching new skills, C to C helps farmers increase yields, promote environmental protection and improve livelihoods. Participating farmers practice lessons learned, maintaining center pivot irrigation systems and boosting productivity. They grow crops like sunflowers, groundnuts, wheat and maize and engage in horticultural production for year-round income.