Government commends 4-H Zimbabwe foundation’s climate change project

THE Government has commended 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation for its installation of eight solar-powered boreholes in Chiwundura, Midlands province, which will enable the construction of a series of fish ponds in the area.

The schemes were developed as part of the non-governmental organisation’s “Enhancing livelihoods through water-women-food nexus interventions” project, which will cover eight wards in Chiwundura.

Agricultural extension officers have been trained in the use of smart agriculture, with 40 officers equipped with iPads for use in their work.

The project is intended to help tackle drought, empower women and boost food security in affected communities.

**Chiwundura Agritex officers show off their Ipads donated by 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation**

In a speech read on his behalf by the acting chief director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Leonard Munamati, the Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri, said the project was a timely intervention in the face of water challenges faced by villagers in Chiwundura.

“Firstly, we commend 4-H Zimbabwe Foundation for complementing the Government’s efforts in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 on addressing food and water insecurity in Zimbabwe. The organisation working with our ministry is making great strides towards climate change interventions,” he said.

“The ministry is pleased to observe the climate change intervention footprints by 4-H Zimbabwe.”

Prof Jiri said the training of the agricultural extension officers comes in the context of 4-H Zimbabwe climate change action interventions in Chiwundura area.

He said the eight solar-powered boreholes and community gardens will go a long way in addressing climate vulnerability and sustainable adaptation in the drought-prone area.

“The ministry is happy to work with 4-H Zimbabwe in this thrust as it is in sync with the Second Republic’s National Development Strategy 1 and Agenda 2030 as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In this project titled ‘Enhancing livelihoods through water-women-food nexus intervention’, 4-H Zimbabwe has demonstrated its commitment to broaden the climate change action strategies as spelt out from the Sustainable Development Goals, Agenda 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1,” said Prof Jiri.

“The ministry is excited that this project is in line with the Rural Development 8.0 model, which posits agriculture as the anchor of the economy towards Vision 2030. The project complements efforts to reduce poverty among rural women farmers, through agricultural development-rural and industrialisation-rural development-vision 2030 nexus.”

Prof Jiri said the project comes at the right time when the country has been hit by the El Nino-induced drought.

“Only last week, President Mnangagwa declared a State of Disaster considering the regional drought. Solar-powered boreholes play a crucial role in enhancing food security, by providing reliable access to water for agricultural activities in arid and remote areas where water is scarce,” he said.

Prof Jiri said the project prioritises women, given that community women-led adaptation strategies are crucial for building resilience to climate change and addressing environmental challenges effectively.

He said women, particularly in rural and marginalised communities, often bear the brunt of climate impacts.

“Empowering women to lead adaptation efforts within their communities, not only ensures their voices are heard, but also leverages their unique knowledge, skills and perspectives. This helps the sustainability of the project.

“The partnership between 4-H Zimbabwe and Agritex is poised to bring results in this Second Republic. The ICT tablets being donated to the Agritex officers will enhance climate-smart e-agriculture.”

Prof Jiri said integrating technology into the line ministry activities will go a long way in improving the information education and communication function of Agritex in the communities.

“This 4-H project on water-women-food security intervention in drought-stricken areas is essential for saving lives, protecting livelihoods and promoting sustainable development. The ICT tablets donated to Agritex help in advancing climate-smart e-agriculture, which is fundamental for sustainable adaptation in the context of climate change,” he said.

Chiwundura legislator, Cde Sleiman Kwidini said following the drilling of the boreholes, they will introduce fish farming.

“We have already sourced bricks and every material that is needed to set up ponds for fish farming in line with Vision 2030. We will have nutritional gardens to boost food security and nutrition, as we empower the villagers,” he said.

4-H Zimbabwe Foundation board chairperson, Mrs Wendy Madzura, said the boreholes and nutrition gardens will ensure food self-sufficiency for the Chiwundura community.

“We developed an integrated approach where the communities give input to the project and take ownership. We need the community to see value in the project, so that at the end of the implementation phase there is continuity,” she said.

Mrs Madzura urged agricultural extension officers to utilise the iPads to gather and disseminate data, emphasising the importance of Zimbabwe becoming a data-driven nation.

“These information and communication technologies gadgets will go a long way in facilitating the distribution of valuable information and testimonials, to promote the adoption of climate-smart farming practices,” she said.