Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Writer
THE Mbunde Village in Skopo, Ward 15 of Nkayi, Matabeleland North Province, has entered a new chapter of rural industrialisation, with the Chibini Village Business Unit (VBU) transforming 1,25 hectares into a thriving production hub since inception in February last year.
Established under the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP) and led by a dedicated team of 30 beneficiaries (18 women and 12 men, including 10 youths), the VBU is proving that local collaboration is the key to successful VBUs and food security.
In an update, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development said with a solid constitution in place and a vision for the future, the Chibini team has moved from subsistence to business.
“Thanks to a reliable solarised borehole and the support of the SACP (Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project) and our strategic partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the fields are alive with green mealies (maize), sugar beans, nutritious tomatoes and fresh leafy vegetables. Zimbabwe is not just farming, we are building a food ecosystem.”
The ministry said Chibini VBU’s success can be attributed to several key factors, including solarisation and pump installation, capacity testing and land preparation, standardised fencing and irrigation conveyance, as well as ridge making for optimal soil health.
The ministry said the Chibini VBU was moving ahead, while the goal was to produce what the market wants, when the market wants it.
“While challenges like (poor) road networks and storage remain, the spirit of Mbunde Village is unbreakable. With stakeholders such as Agritex/ Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas), Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (Rida) in our corner, the team is training for excellence in Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), financial literacy and group governance,” reads the update.
It says the Chibini VBU is not just a farm, but the future of Zimbabwe’s food security.
The rollout of VBUs across the country is an initiative that has emerged as a game changer, improving food and nutrition security while creating new income streams for rural households.
Launched in 2021 by President Mnangagwa at Jinjika Village in Mangwe District, Matabeleland South, VBUs are registered rural development enterprises designed to stimulate economic activity, foster food security and empower communities.
Each VBU typically consists of a one-hectare plot equipped with a solar-powered borehole for irrigation, greenhouses, livestock facilities and in some cases, fish ponds.
It is envisaged that this model of production will transform communities from subsistence farming to market-oriented production. Produce is sold to ready markets, with proceeds shared among members, who are both shareholders and workers.
The programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development under the broader Rural Development 8.0 initiative, aims to benefit 1,8 million households.
In a previous interview, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri emphasised the importance of community involvement in these initiatives.
“We anticipate that the entire village will rally behind the VBUs to ensure their operational success.
“This initiative goes beyond just farming; it is about creating a sustainable economic model that empowers families and fosters community spirit. By working together, villagers can ensure food security, which is critical,” he said.
“The impact of VBUs extends far beyond mere financial gains. For instance, the Masibambane and Zamani nutritional gardens in Lupane have transformed into thriving business units, improving the livelihoods of over 100 local beneficiaries.
“These gardens have become vital sources of food and income, demonstrating the potential of community-driven agricultural projects.”
Bongani Ndlovu