Government ramps up rural industrialisation

THE Government’s plan to industrialise rural communities by establishing village business units has shown significant progress, with 429 units already set up nationwide.

This initiative aims to promote economic viability in rural areas, specifically empowering those who have faced economic hardship, focusing on women and youth.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka, reported to Parliament on Wednesday that the Government is confident in its continued progress, with a target of establishing 10 000 business units by November this year.

These projects are designed to be “game changers” in eradicating poverty in all forms, including food and water insecurity.

The Village Business Unit project is a key aspect of the Rural Development 8.0 model, which includes agricultural development, rural industrialisation, rural development, and alignment with the country’s national development strategy, Vision 2030.

“So far we have created about 429 village units. Before Friday next week, we will have added 535. We believe that if we continue this projectile, most of the villages in Regions 4 and 5 will be covered. We are concentrating on regions with less rainfall,” he said.

The Government has set targets of establishing 35 000 village business units and 9 500 school business units by 2025 to empower rural communities and promote economic growth.

In addition, Dr Masuka said the Government has made progress in improving water security in rural areas, with over 2 006 boreholes drilled throughout the country, 229 of which have been converted into village units.

He expressed hope that economically empowered villagers can sell their produce and generate income through access to village business units, fostering financial independence and growth within rural communities.

“We should train our people to know that farming is a business. Agriculture indeed can empower the transformation of rural livelihoods,” he said.

He urged other Members of Parliament to advocate for the allocation of necessary resources to ensure the programme’s sustainability. The drilled boreholes provide essential water for multiple purposes, including domestic needs, horticulture gardens, fish farming, orchards and livestock dip tanks. — @Lo7246Lovelyn