Liza Moyo always dreamed of a life filled with opportunity. Growing up in the heart of Mukonya village, in Zimbabwe's Rushinga District, Liza fondly recalls her "perfect life", one where she could freely walk without fear of stepping on a landmine.
But after marrying her husband Anderson six years ago, the newlyweds wanted to establish their own home away from Mukonya to grow their family and to farm. With the help of the village chief, they acquired five acres of land in Rushinga District's Kasika village. They began farming maize and sorghum, and used their savings to purchase five cattle – a critical income source for Zimbabweans seeking a sustainable livelihood.
But their dream quickly turned into a nightmare.
The Moyo family in Rushinga district, Zimbabwe
"We heard a loud bang while working in the field", Liza recalled. "We rushed towards the sound, only to see that one of our cattle had accidentally detonated a landmine. We rushed to call other neighbours because we did not know what to do."
Tragically, the cow's injuries were too severe, and they had to put her down. After the incident, Liza and Anderson tried searching for answers about what happened. They had both heard stories about landmines in Rushinga but, having never witnessed them, they thought they were mere myths.
Before long, another explosion claimed a second cow. That was when the couple realised the horrifying truth: their land was part of a ploughshare minefield.
Ploughshare mines are a uniquely dangerous type of mine found in Zimbabwe. Suspended on posts and triggered by tripwires, they were designed during the Rhodesian Bush War to cause maximum harm. Decades of erosion, vegetation growth and animal activity have displaced many of these mines, making their exact locations unpredictable, which further increases the danger to communities.
Liza and Anderson didn't want to burden their parents by moving home and were unable find a new place of their own due to fierce competition for available land. They felt they had no choice but to remain on their dangerous property. They marked 'safe' zones with stones, but lived in constant fear, unable to fully farm their land or let their two children play freely.
In 2021, HALO began clearing landmines in Kasika village, prioritising high-risk areas like Liza and Anderson's property. HALO's deminers painstakingly removed every mine, restoring safety and hope for the couple, along with the wider community.
Today, the transformation is undeniable.
Liza and Anderson's cattle, now safe from the threat of landmines
Liza and Anderson's field, filled with crops like sorghum, peanuts and maize
Now that explosive hazards have been removed from their land, Liza and Anderson have expanded their farming operations and are now raising 11 cattle. Their fields – once fraught with danger – are thriving with crops including sorghum, maize and peanuts. The family no longer lives in fear, and their children can freely roam the land that once threatened their lives.
"I would like to thank HALO's donors for supporting The HALO Trust to clear landmines in Kasika Village. We are truly grateful for your support and hope that you will continue supporting [HALO's work] until Zimbabwe is mine-impact free."
For families like Liza's, landmine clearance is about more than physical safety. It restores livelihoods, enables sustainable farming, and revitalises entire communities. The loss of livestock is devastating for rural families, but HALO's work ensures that farmers can keep their cattle and families safe, while focusing on building a prosperous future.
Liza's story is a testament to the life-changing impact of your support. When land is cleared, hope flourishes.
