Gwanda South communities unite to drive climate‑smart development

INSPIRED by President Mnangagwa’s mantra “leaving no one and no place behind”, rural communities in Gwanda South have united in collective action to generate business solutions aimed at tackling shared social challenges.
The initiatives are supported by the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives,

with the aim of equipping individuals and community groups with essential life survival skills.
Through its study circles methodology, the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust has mechanised a borehole in Ward 17, Gwanda South, and established a community fodder garden to grow “idolofiya” as part of efforts to counter the effects of climate change.

Canadian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Malawi and Botswana, Adler Aristide, recently toured Gwanda South with staff from the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust and Government officials to assess the projects being implemented.
These include poultry farming, goat production and fodder farming — all seen as key pillars of Vision 2030 as they address food insecurity and create income-generating opportunities.

“I’m very impressed with the work going on to address drought, water and animal health issues. This has improved their standards of living as these transformative projects are now turning into money-generation initiatives,” said Amb Aristide.

He reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between Zimbabwe and Canada.
“The late Edward Ndlovu had married a Canadian lady, Merry Ndlovu, and moved back to Zimbabwe together. She spent many years teaching here and later on travelled back to her country after the death of her husband. That connection continues with you all,” said Amb Aristide.

He also highlighted the unity between the community, Government and the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust, saying the success of the projects stemmed from collaborative effort.

“I appreciate how the whole community is engaged in these projects and how the local government is supporting the projects. I would like to appreciate the work being done by Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust in this region, lives of vulnerable people are transforming within the blink of an eye and, lives are revolving,” said Amb Aristide.

“The Government’s mantra of ‘leaving no one and no place behind’ is taking shape. I understand this is a dry region with minimum to low rainfall but we are seeing people earning money through farming, through the help of water pumps, solarisation of the gardens and the provision of a Jojo tank being provided by the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust.”

The executive director of the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust, Mr Mike Moyo, said the support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives had transformed livelihoods and reduced hunger.

“In Ward 17, the community borehole now powers the Thuthuka Integrated Garden and supports livestock production,” he said.

Chairman of the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust, Mr Muhorosi Makhurane, said the organisation had broader ambitions, including producing stock feed to promote climate-smart agriculture.

“We aspire to produce stock feed using locally available materials such as maize stover, acacia pods, and other indigenous resources. This initiative would reduce costs for farmers, promote climate-smart agriculture, and ensure that livestock production remains viable even during dry seasons,” he said.

“With modest support for processing and production inputs, we can turn local abundance into sustainable feed solutions.”