Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
IN a significant step towards economic empowerment at the grassroots level, the Government introduced Village Business Units (VBUs), with a growing call to equip beneficiaries with the skills required to manage the facilities and generate income.
VBUs are designed to bring development closer to communities, combining agricultural production with entrepreneurship.
Agriculture, Rural Development and Advisory Services (Ardas) Director, Mr Leonard Munamati, recently visited Shurugwi to assess the progress of a newly launched VBU. He expressed excitement over the transformation of previously unused land into a productive hub for farming and enterprise.
“This is the first time this land is being put to use,” Mr Munamati noted.
“What we now need is to equip the local business advisors and beneficiaries with the right training to manage it well and generate income.”
Mr Munamati emphasised that once local capacity is built through training, mentorship and partnerships, these units can thrive independently.
“With support from the private sector and development partners, we can create sustainable businesses at the village level. These VBUs won’t just feed communities, they’ll employ and empower them too,” he said.
According to the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, the goal is to establish 35 000 functional businesses through the VBU model across the country. In Shurugwi, momentum is building and the local teams are enthusiastic.
Mr Munamati called on all Government officers and business advisors to continue strengthening this model.
“This is a real transformation,” he added. “It’s not just about growing food — it’s about growing futures.”
The VBU initiative is playing a vital role in enhancing nutrition and providing employment opportunities, showcasing the Government’s unwavering commitment to revitalising previously marginalised communities. Provinces have reported notable sales, underscoring the widespread benefits that these ventures bring to local economies.
Unlike traditional agricultural plots, VBUs are comprehensive business models designed to improve community livelihoods. They are not just about farming, they represent a sustainable economic framework that empowers families and fosters a sense of community spirit.
A key component of the VBU initiative is access to water, facilitated by the drilling of over 50 000 boreholes nationwide. This critical infrastructure allows communities to cultivate a variety of crops, including tomatoes, onions, leafy greens and winter maize. The ability to grow these crops not only enhances food security but also provides a steady source of income for families. Community members have embraced this opportunity, selling their produce in local markets and to supermarkets, significantly improving their financial situations.
In addition to VBUs, the initiative also encompasses School Business Units (SBUs), which help schools generate revenue, thereby reducing dependence on school fees. This dual approach ensures that both agricultural and educational needs are being addressed, creating a more holistic model for community development.
The VBU concept aligns seamlessly with the Second Republic’s Rural Development 8.0 initiative, which includes various programmes such as the Accelerator Model, Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme, Presidential Poultry, Fisheries and Tick Grease Schemes and the Presidential Cotton Inputs Scheme. These initiatives feed into the broader Vision 2030, which seeks to uplift rural communities, enhance agricultural productivity and drive rural industrialisation.
