Zimbabwe seed project
A harvest that keeps on growing
In rural Zimbabwe, families who depend on the land to feed their children face a heartbreaking cycle. Without enough seed to plant, there is no harvest.
Without a harvest, there is little food to nourish the family in the months ahead. According to the UN World Food Programme, 42% of Zimbabwe's people live in extreme poverty, and the country faces ongoing food insecurity.
For poor Christian families in remote villages across Zimbabwe, the struggle to grow enough food is constant. Many cannot afford to buy maize seed each planting season, leaving them unable to grow the crops they depend on. Without seed to plant, families face another season of uncertainty, hunger and hardship. When seed aid does come, it often arrives late, and families on the margins are the ones most often left without.
But there is hope. And it started with a few cobs of maize.
Seed that can be planted again and again
Ben Freeth began this seed project in 2015. He had visited Amish farmers in the United States and come home with a few cobs of high-quality maize. After years of careful trials, he chose a drought-resistant variety of maize, even better suited to Zimbabwe's climate.
Today, our local partner grows this maize seed on a farm in Central Zimbabwe. The seed is distributed free of charge to rural Christian families through a network of trusted local Christian partners.
Unlike hybrid seed, which must be bought every year, this seed can be saved and replanted season after season. Families also receive training in simple conservation farming methods, grounded in Biblical principles, to help their sustainable crops survive dry years.
In July 2026, more than 20,000 families received a 4kg seed pack.
One of our partners told us that in past years, seed came too late, if it came at all. This year, it arrived before the rains. Many families are now saving seed to replant and sharing it with their neighbours.
The farm also employs around 30 local women for up to six months of the year, in an area with almost no other work.
More families are waiting
The full project costs $47,000, in two instalments: $20,000 by December 2026 and the $27,000 balance by March 2027. The first instalment of $20,000 is needed by Christmas, and that's what we're asking you to help us reach. Anything given above $20,000 will go towards the second instalment, due in March 2027.
Seed funded by this appeal will reach families by August 2027.
This is at the heart of who we are: from Christians, through Christians, to Christians. Your gift reaches brothers and sisters through people who know them best.
How you can give
Your gift will help grow, pack and deliver free seed, and train families to farm well.
$19
can provide enough seed to feed 5 families (25 people) for a year
$38
can provide enough seed to feed 10 families (50 people) for a year
$190
can provide enough seed to feed 50 families (250 people) for a year
$1,900
can provide 500 seed packs, enough to feed 2,500 people for a year
Or contribute towards the whole project. Amounts are approximate, based on current costs and exchange rates.
Two Ways to Give:
Gifts to Barnabas Fund Australia are not tax deductible. If you would like a tax-deductible receipt, please give to BREAD Australia, which also supports persecuted and suffering Christians except projects for specifically religious activities (e.g. Christian literature, ministry and training). Gifts of $2 and more to BREAD Australia are tax deductible.
Gifts to this appeal can be received by BREAD Australia
On the donation form, please choose Zimbabwe Seed Project, BRD003
Other ways to donate
Cash or Cheque, mail to GPO Box 612, Adelaide SA 5001. Please quote the project reference BRD003.
Telephone, call (08) 8117 8079 or toll-free 1300 365 799.
or if you prefer to donate by Direct Transfer, details are below. Please quote the project reference BRD003.
Barnabas Fund Australia
Barnabas Relief Education and Development
How you can pray
Father,
Thank You for every seed that has grown into a harvest. We pray for families in rural Zimbabwe facing another hungry season. Please send good rains and protect their crops. Bless the partners growing and delivering seed, and those teaching sustainable farming skills. May every harvest bring hope, and point families to You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
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