Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
RURAL communities are increasingly turning water infrastructure into productive assets, with the Government linking borehole drilling to horticulture, livestock production and village enterprises as part of its drive to transform rural livelihoods.
From nutritional gardens in Lupane benefiting more than 100 people to Village Agro-Business Units in Manicaland, the initiative helps communities establish enterprises that provide food, generate income, and create employment.
The programme is anchored by the Government’s investment in rural water infrastructure, with 47 709 water points currently functioning countrywide, providing a foundation for agricultural production and other income-generating activities.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri, said the success of Village Business Units (VBUs) depended on communities working together to sustain the projects and maximise their benefits.
“We anticipate that the entire village will rally behind the village business unit to ensure its operational success. This initiative goes beyond just farming; it is about creating a sustainable economic model that empowers families and fosters community spirit. By working together, villagers can ensure food security, which is critical,” he said.
The Government has completed 1 435 VBUs countrywide, with another 248 under construction, as it seeks to move rural communities beyond subsistence production towards commercially oriented enterprises.
The business units provide opportunities for horticulture, livestock production, food processing and other activities that can improve household incomes while strengthening local food supplies.
The water development programme includes 5 278 solar-powered piped water schemes, while 6 043 boreholes had been drilled under the Presidential Rural Development Programme (PRDP) as at September 23.
Under the Presidential Borehole Scheme, more than 6 000 boreholes have been drilled countrywide, with 900 equipped with bush pumps and 363 solarised, according to the Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS).
However, 8 942 rural water points are non-functional, against 47 709 that are operational, highlighting the importance of maintenance and rehabilitation to sustain access to water for communities and productive projects.
The programme is also expanding opportunities for young people and other community groups through complementary infrastructure. Government has completed 274 School Business Units, 16 Youth Business Units, 54 Community Business Units and nine Vocational Training Centres.
Masvingo has recorded the highest number of Presidential boreholes drilled, at 1 086, including 213 equipped with bush pumps and 49 solarised.
The province has completed 297 VBUs, with 16 under construction. It also has 35 School Business Units, two Youth Business Units, 21 Community Business Units and two Vocational Training Centres.
Mashonaland Central has drilled 701 Presidential boreholes, including 87 equipped with bush pumps. It has completed 269 VBUs, with seven under construction, as well as 39 School Business Units, one Youth Business Unit, four Community Business Units and one Vocational Training Centre.
Manicaland has drilled 750 Presidential boreholes, including 84 equipped with bush pumps and 48 solarised. The province has completed 150 VBUs, with 32 under construction.
Mashonaland East has drilled 769 Presidential boreholes, including 128 equipped with bush pumps and 53 solarised.
The impact of the programme is emerging in communities where water access is supporting productive activities.
In Lupane, the Masibambane and Zamani nutritional gardens have grown into business units benefiting more than 100 people, providing both food and income.
In Manicaland, Village Agro-Business Units established in Chisuma, Temaruru, Tamburikayi, Hakwata, Chichesa, Mutema Secondary and at Chief Mutema’s homestead are supporting increased production, employment and income generation.
The projects form part of Government’s Rural Development 8.0 initiative, which seeks to transform rural areas into centres of production and accelerate rural industrialisation.
Other interventions under the initiative include the Accelerator Model, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, the Presidential Poultry Scheme, Fisheries Scheme, Tick Grease Scheme and Cotton Inputs Scheme.
The broader objective is to ensure rural infrastructure translates into tangible economic benefits, with communities using water, agricultural resources and business facilities to build sustainable livelihoods.
