Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in NYAMANDLOVU
MORE than 84 000 farmers across Zimbabwe have benefited from agricultural support programmes being rolled out under the Zimbabwe Emergency Food Production Project (ZEFPP).
This was revealed yesterday by officials during a field visit to Phaphamani Irrigation Scheme in Nyamandlovu under Umguza District, Matabeleland North.
The 50-hectare community irrigation scheme, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the African Development Bank (AfDB) and AFC Land and Development Bank, has become a model of transformation after years of financial and technical struggles.
Farmers at Phaphamani are now producing wheat and maize consistently, paying school fees from proceeds and improving food security in a drought-prone area.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri, represented by Director of Business Development, Mr Abraham Mashumba said the intervention had exceeded its initial targets.
“What began as an emergency intervention has evolved into a transformative platform, changing the agricultural landscape for thousands of farmers,” Prof Jiri said.
“The project targeted 17 005 beneficiaries through the Seed Revolving Fund but managed to reach 17 048 — exceeding its objective. Beyond this, some 84 000 farmers have benefitted from related agricultural support initiatives.”
In Matabeleland North, he said, 112 beneficiaries covering 170 hectares have accessed over US$57 000 worth of support.
“Schemes like Bubi Lupane, Redwood and Phaphamani show that this programme is building food security and resilience in our province,” he said.
He added that the Seed Revolving Fund, managed by AFC, was a sustainable tool that widened access to quality seed and fertiliser, ensuring smallholder farmers could plant on time.
At Phaphamani, 12 farmers are cultivating 50 hectares using pivot and horse rill irrigation, with boreholes as the water source.
Farmers said before the intervention, they faced delayed planting, low yields and household hardships.
“Previously, we had to rely on poor quality seed and we often planted late,” said farmer and scheme member Sithembiso Banda, a villager in Fountain Village.
“With support from the Seed Revolving Fund, we now get certified seed and fertiliser on time. We are expecting up to five tonnes per hectare this winter.”
FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa and FAO Representative in Zimbabwe, Dr Patrice Talla said that the structured approach was ensuring sustainability.
“We have already onboarded 3 835 farmers for the current winter wheat programme, slightly exceeding our cumulative target. Nearly 40 percent of participants are women, which ensures the benefits directly improve household nutrition and welfare,” Dr Talla said.
Despite challenges such as borehole collapses and power outages, farmers at Phaphamani said they were confident of continued growth with ongoing technical and financial support.
