Chronicle Correspondent
NKAYI communities are being given an opportunity to turn tree planting into a source of food, income and future enterprise, as a citrus fruit initiative seeks to strengthen household livelihoods and build resilience.
The programme, launched last week at Gonye Primary School in Nkayi, Matabeleland North province, is expected to create opportunities for communities to diversify income sources while promoting environmental conservation.
Permanent Secretary for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ms Sithandiwe Ndumo Ncube, who was represented by Environmental Planning Management Officer Mr Kunashe Tavagwisa at the launch, said the initiative went beyond planting trees to improving people’s lives.
“This initiative represents more than simply planting trees. It’s about creating sustainable livelihoods, strengthening communities, improving food security and building resilience for the future,” she said.
Ms Ncube said partnerships between Government, development partners, traditional leaders and local communities could unlock Nkayi’s potential and translate it into meaningful economic opportunities.
“Nkayi has great potential, and through partnerships between Government, development partners, traditional leadership and local communities, we can transform that potential into meaningful economic opportunities.
“The planting of citrus trees provides an opportunity for communities to diversify their sources of income while contributing to environmental conservation.”
A total of 108 trees were planted, comprising 20 delta valencia oranges, 20 Thai pink guavas, 10 water berries, 10 mnyi, four mulberries and four mtshwankela trees, alongside other varieties donated by the Forestry Commission.
With sustained support in irrigation, training, market access, value addition and technical assistance, the project could provide a foundation for household income generation and employment.
Ms Ncube urged communities to take ownership of the programme, stressing that its success would depend on the survival and productivity of the trees rather than the number planted at launch.
“I, therefore, encourage our communities to take ownership of this programme. The success of this initiative will not only be measured by the number of trees planted today, but by how many trees survive, mature and eventually provide sustainable benefits to our people,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary commended development partners for supporting community development and called for continued collaboration to ensure such programmes were properly coordinated, monitored and sustained.
“Let’s plant these trees today with the understanding that we’re planting opportunities for our children and generations to come.
“May the citrus trees we plant in Nkayi grow strong, just like our communities, and may they bear fruit for many years to come.”
Also attending the programme were Zaranyika Zhou of the Environmental Planning and
Management Office, Mr Bothwell Mushanduri, Business Development Officer in the provincial office of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, and Mr Mzingaye Donga of Dayise Tree Nursery.
