malvernmugadzikwa
Andwatch Mambo
OVER 3 000 hectares (ha) of once-dormant irrigation schemes have been rehabilitated under a Government-led programme geared towards climate-proofing agricultural production and increasing productivity.
Under the Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme (SIRP), the Government plans to bring back to life over 5 000ha of irrigation schemes that are lying idle in 18 districts, creating swathes of greenbelts across Zimbabwe’s rural landscapes.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said: “The programme is targeting four provinces of Masvingo, Manicaland, Matabeleland South and Midlands.
“It covers 21 districts — Chimanimani, Chipinge, Chiredzi, Chirumanzu, Chivi, Gokwe South, Gutu, Gwanda, Gweru, Insiza, Kwekwe Rural, Makoni, Mangwe, Masvingo Rural, Mberengwa, Mwenezi, Zvishavane, Bikita, Zaka, Beitbridge and Matobo.”
He added: “The programme is targeting to rehabilitate 5 202ha of irrigation land and to date, the programme has covered 3 385ha.
“It also seeks to provide capacity-building to 27 500 farmers in the following areas: good agricultural practices; farming as a business; post-harvest management; natural resources management; nutrition education; gender mainstreaming; and operations and maintenance.” SIRP is a seven-year initiative aimed at boosting the resilience and livelihoods of rural communities through revitalised and expanded irrigation schemes.
The programme targets areas that are particularly vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity, climate change and economic shocks.
It also empowers farmers with knowledge and skills, while promoting climate-smart practices like water harvesting and production of drought-resistant crops.
The holistic approach is geared towards equipping communities to thrive in the face of climate change.
More than 2 000 youth have since undergone capacity-building training under the programme.
“A total of 2 364 youths (1 254 males and 1 110 males), against a target of 2 000, received training in the following disciplines: basic electrical installations; pump operations; bricklaying; canal construction; welding and fabrication; mushroom production; apiculture; baking and confectionery; garment design; cutting and sewing; intensive livestock production; and market gardening,” he added.
Government workers, he said, had also received training through SIPR.
“The programme was targeting to train 500 staff and to date, 1 050 staff have been mentored.”
The programme was launched in November 2016 and is set to be completed in June next year, after being extended by six months.
Online Reporter