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Precious Manomano, Herald Reporter
In the heart of Zimbabwe, a quiet revolution is taking place.
Across the nation, over 35 000 households are experiencing a remarkable transformation in their livelihoods, thanks to the Government’s successful implementation of smallholder irrigation schemes.
These initiatives, which have established 460 functional irrigation systems across 26 173 hectares, are not just about farming; they represent a pathway to prosperity for many rural families.
Standing in a lush green field, brightly coloured with rows of crops, we meet Anna, a smallholder farmer in Manicaland.
“Before the irrigation scheme, we relied heavily on rain-fed agriculture, which was always a gamble,” she shares, her eyes shining with hope.
“Now, with access to irrigation, we can grow crops all year round, ensuring food for my family and income to send my children to school.”
Anna is one of the 9 257 beneficiaries in Manicaland, where 67 irrigation schemes have opened doors to new opportunities.
With the ability to irrigate 5 683 hectares, these schemes have empowered farmers to cultivate diverse crops, increasing their resilience against the challenges of climate change and erratic weather patterns.
The impact of these schemes extends beyond individual households.
In Mashonaland West, 2 287 beneficiaries are thriving from 50 irrigation schemes covering 1 553 hectares.
Meanwhile, Matabeleland North, with its 1 250 beneficiaries and 33 schemes, is witnessing a similar transformation.
The statistics tell a compelling story: across Zimbabwe, farmers are not just surviving; they are thriving.
“In my village, we’ve seen an increase in production. People are more confident in investing in their farms,” says Tendai, a farmer from Mashonaland East, where 1 594 beneficiaries benefit from 56 schemes. “It’s not just about growing food; it’s about creating a future for our children.”
At the heart of this transformation is the Vision 2030 accelerator model, launched by President Mnangagwa in 2021.
This initiative aims to equip rural, urban, and peri-urban households with agribusiness skills, ensuring that farming enterprises become self-sustaining and profitable.
The concept of Village Business Units (VBUs) is a cornerstone of this vision, with plans to establish 35 000 companies across villages that will utilise solar-powered boreholes and link to aggregation and value addition centres.
“The Government is committed to rural industrialisation,” emphasises Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka. “We are transforming irrigation schemes into viable business units, ensuring every community has access to the resources they need to succeed.”
To further bolster food security, the government is investing heavily in irrigation infrastructure. Six major dams have been completed, capable of irrigating a total of 56 650 hectares.
These include the Tugwi Mukosi Dam in Masvingo, which can irrigate 40 000 hectares, and Marovanyati Dam in Manicaland, expected to irrigate another 1 250 hectares.
Deputy Minister Vangelis Haritatos underscores the importance of these initiatives, stating, “We must move away from rain-fed agriculture to climate-smart irrigation. This is essential as climate change continues to threaten our agricultural productivity.”
While the success stories are inspiring, the journey is not without challenges. The recent El Niño-induced drought has tested the resilience of many farmers. However, with approximately 230 000 hectares currently under irrigation, the Government recognises the need to expand this capacity.
The ambitious goal is to develop an additional 270 000 hectares for agricultural use, focusing on cereal crops to enhance food self-sufficiency.
As Anna reflects on her journey, she embodies the spirit of resilience that is becoming synonymous with Zimbabwean farmers.
“I used to worry about how I would provide for my family.
“Now, I have hope. I can grow food and earn a living,” she says, her voice filled with determination.
The establishment of Village Business Units is crucial in this strategy, aimed at connecting all 35 000 villages across Zimbabwe.
These units will revolve around solar-powered boreholes and drip-irrigated plots, benefiting approximately 50 households in each village.
By focusing on aggregation, value addition, and beneficiation, the government is catalysing rural industrialisation and development.
As the sun sets over the fields of Zimbabwe, it casts a golden glow on a future filled with potential.
The Government’s commitment to improving food security and empowering farmers is not just a policy; it is a promise. With each irrigation scheme, each new dam, and each trained farmer, Zimbabwe is taking bold strides towards a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future.
Online Reporter