mbulelo smpofu
Yolanda Mlilo, Sunday News Reporter
MAKHUBU Presidential Nutritional Garden in Mangwe District has transformed into a thriving village’s business unit, which has revolutionised the lives of more than 50 local beneficiaries, providing them with increased income and food self-sufficiency.
Located in a previously underproductive area that falls under natural region five characterised by low rainfall, the community benefitted from a borehole that was drilled by the Government under the Presidential Nutritional Garden Initiative.
The garden produces a bounty of butternuts and maize, with plans to expand its crop diversity to include cabbage, carrots, tomatoes and green vegetables.
The community-driven project not only provides a stable source of income for the farmers but has also empowered them to become self-sufficient individuals.
The garden’s success has enabled community members to afford basic necessities such as school fees and groceries and has greatly reduced their reliance on seeking employment in other countries. Instead, they are now busy in the garden, earning a living through planting and selling their produce.
“We are grateful to President Mnangagwa for providing us with the necessary resources, including a solar-powered borehole and garden fence, which has enabled us to effectively produce our crops without relying on rainfall,” said Priscilla Moyo, who is the beneficiaries’ spokesperson under Makhubu Ward 15.
She said the Makhubu Presidential Garden has created employment opportunities for the local people, enabling them to transform their lives through farming.
The garden has also brought together individuals from all age groups, including youths, the elderly and the disabled, to work towards a common goal of food security and self-sufficiency.
“The farmers are now able to do farming on their own with guidance from experts provided by the Government. Beneficiaries are drawn from all age groups, including the elderly and people living with disabilities, so there is inclusion,” said Mrs Moyo.
She added that villagers of Makhubu have been struggling with the effects of the El Niño-induced drought, but the Government’s intervention has provided them with a beacon of hope.
The establishment of a solarised borehole has alleviated the scarcity of drinking water and the garden has become a reliable source of fresh and nutritious food, which they used to bring from town.
“The garden will increase access to fresh and diverse produce, reducing reliance on external food sources and providing a reliable source of vegetables even during times of food scarcity,” said Mrs Ruth Sauramba, Acting District Development Co-ordinator of Mangwe.
“Surplus produce from the garden will be sold at local markets, providing families with additional income to meet other needs.”
Through the garden, villagers will be able to provide for themselves despite climate change and will acquire knowledge on sustainable farming practices and nutrition. The garden serves as a buffer during periods of drought or food supply disruptions, enhancing the village’s resilience to climate and economic shocks.
As the garden continues to thrive, it provides a shining example of how community-driven initiatives can transform lives and bring people together towards a common goal of food security and self-sufficiency, which is the objective of the village business unit as said by President Mnangagwa.
Online Reporter