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Fungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau
Women and Youth Affairs Minister Sthembiso Nyoni has pledged to assist Muchapondwa Community Gardens in Bindura South with food processing machines and dryers to preserve their produce. She said she was impressed by the garden, which is irrigated with water from natural springs, adding that she wanted to organise a tour of the garden by parliamentarians.
Minister Nyoni urged members of the community garden to apply for assistance from the Women Development Fund, Zimbabwe Community Development Fund and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe facility for horticulture as soon as possible.
Started in 1960, the 27-hectare garden is owned by 69 people and is being irrigated by water from two springs.
“I have never seen anything like this. I want to bring Parliament here because they were advocating for the closing of the gardens saying women should be given tractors,” said Minister Nyoni.
“The garden is providing nutrition to the community. I have never seen beautiful families like you. You are using natural resources and terrain. I like your diversity. You are making your own money.
“My ministry is open for you. You qualify for the Women Development Fund, Zimbabwe Community Development Fund and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe facility for horticulture. I want to see action.”
The community garden’s chairman, Mr Moses Muunganirwa, said there were 37 men and 32 women mostly from the apostolic sect.
“The garden was started in 1960 and our parents diverted water from a spring. In 2001 we approached the rural district council seeking assistance to manage the water. We managed to get assistance to build canals into the garden,” he said.
“We threw away tomatoes due to lack of a market.
“In 2013 we were assisted with inputs by former Women Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri. In 2007 we won the Zimbabwe Plough Preservation Award.
“We are now planting fruit trees. We want this garden to be Canaan, but what is lacking are bees. We have 20 ponds of fish and aquaculture helped us with fingerlings. Our challenge is that we did not secure the ponds and otters are eating our fish.
“Fifty-four farmers from Buhera visited us to see what we are doing here. We are now selling fingerlings.”
Online Reporter