Democracy in Bloom: Gardens Hold Leadership Elections

It's election season for community market gardens managed under the Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust (ZDDT) and Sally Foundation (SF) initiative, a critical time when leadership structures are refreshed through a transparent, democratic process.

Across the gardens, members are engaging in the familiar cycle of nominations, campaigning and casting ballots to choose their next committees.

This participatory model begins with an open call for nominations, allowing members to put forward individuals they believe can lead with integrity and vision.

This is followed by voting through a confidential ballot box system, ensuring fairness and encouraging broad participation.

These elections are far more than a formality; they are a cornerstone of the gardens’ sustainability.

By allowing gardeners to choose their own leaders, the process fosters ownership, accountability and inclusiveness. Strong and popular leadership is essential for coordinating daily operations, resolving conflicts and ensuring fair distribution of resources.

ZDDT’s facilitation of this democratic structure reinforces the belief and faith in the democratic process and its principles of good governance at grassroots level.

In turn, it empowers community members, promotes transparency, and strengthens the long-term viability of the gardens as productive, self-reliant hubs of nutrition and income.