Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
THE development of 3Js Challenge Park in Glendale, Mazowe District, is adding a new dimension to rural transformation by combining recreation, agriculture, tourism, skills development and wellness in a farming community.
Located at Plot 33 Almeroy Farm, the facility, founded by Mr Jimmy Wilford, has an obstacle course, conference facilities, a gazebo, modern ablution facilities and a 50-cubic-metre biogas plant, while a piggery project is providing an additional agro-tourism component.
Mr Wilford said the initiative was premised on demonstrating that modern facilities and economic opportunities could be developed within farming communities.
“We want to demonstrate that rural communities can have modern facilities and experiences without people always having to travel to urban centres,” he said.
The development comes as Zimbabwe continues to pursue rural modernisation and the transformation of communities through initiatives that promote sustainable economic activity and improve livelihoods.
For Mazowe, the facility offers another potential attraction for visitors while creating opportunities for schools, farmers, corporates, churches and community groups to use the area for training, recreation and other activities.
The piggery is central to the park’s agro-tourism ambitions, allowing visitors and learners to see livestock production while gaining practical exposure to agriculture, animal husbandry and entrepreneurship.
Mr Wilford said agriculture could be used not only as a means of production, but also as a platform for education and tourism.
“People should be able to come into a farming environment and see agriculture taking place, understand how livestock projects work and appreciate the opportunities that exist in farming,” he said.
The park’s integrated approach also extends to environmental sustainability.
Its biogas facility uses waste from the piggery and ablution facilities to produce energy, while generating organic slurry that can support agricultural activities.
For visiting schools, this creates an opportunity for learners to see renewable energy, waste management and sustainable agriculture being applied in a practical setting.
The facility is also seeking to tap into the growing need for constructive youth activities, particularly amid concerns over drug and substance abuse.
Through obstacle-course activities, leadership programmes, team-building exercises and mentorship, the park provides young people with structured activities that promote discipline, teamwork and personal development.
Mr Wilford said recreational facilities had an important role to play in giving young people positive alternatives.
“When young people have constructive activities that challenge them, build their confidence and give them a sense of purpose, it can help keep them away from destructive activities such as drug and substance abuse,” he said.
