Online Reporter
Lloyd Makonya
Correspondent
HOPE and opportunity bloomed in rural Buhera last week as the Agri-food Systems Community Action Research and Entrepreneurship Development (ASEC) project was launched at Mai Chimuti’s homestead (Integral Kumusha) in Mukoto Village.
The project seeks to transform rural livelihoods through youth employment, innovation, and sustainable agriculture.
The event, attended by over 150 women and youths, drew together traditional leaders, Government officials and academics.
Representing the guest of honour, Honourable Philip Guyo (MP for Buhera Central), Cde Benard Manyadza hailed the partnership between higher and tertiary institutions and rural communities as key to the success of national programs such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa.
“Projects like ASEC bridge research and community development, helping us add value to traditional grains and improve livelihoods in line with Vision 2030,” he said.
Dr Xavier Poshiwa, Dean of the Gary Magadzire School of Agriculture and Engineering at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU), outlined the project’s objectives.
He said ASEC aims to empower young people with practical agricultural and entrepreneurship skills that promote climate resilience and inclusive growth.
Training sessions covered vital topics such as Soil Fertility Management, Community Seed Systems, Good Agricultural Practices, and Agroforestry, with participants enjoying traditional meals prepared by local women a celebration of culture that echoed the Agrotourism4SHE initiative launched earlier by the First Lady.
Funded by the Mastercard Foundation under the TAGDev 2.0 programme of RUFORUM, ASEC is being implemented through a consortium led by Africa University in partnership with GZU, the University of Zimbabwe, Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Mutare Polytechnic and Magamba Vocational Training Centre.
The project focuses on creating decent work opportunities for youth through the sorghum value chain, supporting entrepreneurship, and enhancing climate-smart agriculture. GZU alone aims to reach 1000 youth and 5 000 smallholder farmers through training, mentorship, and access to finance.
By linking research, innovation and traditional knowledge, the ASEC project is poised to drive inclusive, climate-resilient growth ensuring that rural communities like Buhera become hubs of agri-preneurship and sustainable transformation.
