Chronicle Editor
Raymond Jaravaza, [email protected]
FOR years, the Sikhuluma Sisenza farmers’ co-operative at Redwood Irrigation Scheme in Umguza District, Matabeleland North Province struggled to sustain its members as they depended on rain-fed agriculture, resulting in low maize and small grain yields.
What began as a robust group of over 40 farmers dwindled to just 24, with many villagers losing hope in a project that offered little return on their hard work.
However, 2022 marked a turning point when Government, through the Agricultural Rural Development Authority (ARDA), revitalised the irrigation scheme. The intervention was a game changer, as ARDA equipped the scheme with a centre pivot, and a tractor, and rehabilitated two boreholes while constructing a small dam to serve as a water reservoir.
As a result, the Sikhuluma Sisenza co-operative transformed from relying solely on rain to growing irrigated cash crops. Today, they cultivate winter wheat, butternut, potatoes, and maize.
“We now grow cash crops all year round, leaving no time for idleness. As soon as we finish harvesting our winter wheat, we will prepare the 17 hectares to plant maize, especially with the rainy season approaching,” said Mr Mbuso Nxumalo, the co-operative’s vice secretary.
He said in case of below-normal rainfall, the farmers can rely on the centre pivot for irrigation. The co-operative has already put another four hectares under maize, which is now knee-high.
“We planted the maize on August 15 and will plant another batch on five hectares next week. We have butternuts on three hectares and potatoes on another hectare,” said Mr Nxumalo.
“With crops at various growth stages, we can harvest and sell them at different times. Arda has changed our lives by equipping the Redwood Irrigation Scheme with boreholes and a centre pivot.”
The revitalised irrigation scheme now boasts a membership of 15 men and nine women. Mr Nxumalo expressed pride in contributing to Zimbabwe’s national food security.
“I never imagined that we would play a role in bolstering the nation’s food reserves,” he said.
Two years after the revitalisation, the Redwood Irrigation Scheme has emerged as a beacon of agricultural success, significantly contributing to the national food basket. Using a combine harvester supplied by the Government, local farmers expect to harvest an impressive 80 tonnes from the 17 hectares planted, paying for the harvester’s services either in cash or grain.
Mrs Cazeni Moyo (46) highlighted the positive impact of the irrigation scheme on her life.
“Every three months, we get paid for our produce, and earning money four times a year is rewarding for a villager like me. In the last two years, I bought four cows and paid school fees for my six children. We ensure cash crops are planted year-round so our cash flow remains steady,” she said.
Mr Noble Hlongwane, another co-operative member, shared his success story.
“I built a house at Lupane Business Centre from my share of the proceeds from cash crops sold at the Redwood Irrigation Scheme. We struggled for years with rainfall-dependent farming, but Arda’s support changed everything.”
The success of the Redwood Irrigation Scheme reflects a broader trend across the country, where Arda collaborates with local communities, including women and youths, to enhance crop and livestock production.
Through these partnerships, Arda aims to establish sustainable funding, market commodities produced at its estates, and boost production at rural irrigation schemes, aligning with the Second Republic’s development agenda of leaving no one and no place behind.
Online Reporter