Online Reporter
Tanyaradzwa Kutaura
MBIRE legislator Mr David Butau has hailed Government’s ongoing programme to establish village business units (VBUs), saying the initiative is transforming rural livelihoods, empowering women and helping to reduce cases of early child marriages in
Mashonaland Central province.
VBUs — a key component of the Presidential Rural Development Programme — are designed to drive rural industrialisation by creating employment and boosting incomes for households.
Speaking on the sidelines of a Young Africa Climate Change Awareness and Sports Festival in Mushumbi, Mr Butau said the initiative had already resulted in tangible progress in Mbire.
“In Mbire, we are now at 36 VBUs and moving forward with the initiative,” he said.
“We have witnessed the upliftment of young girls and women through village business units at all levels.”
Women, he said, were now benefitting from sustainable income streams, reducing hunger and easing household pressures that often drive families to marry off girls at a young age.
“Our hope is that the VBU initiative continues to thrive,” he said.
“If that’s the case, I am positive we will win the war against early marriages.
“I would like to commend the President for coming up with such a noble idea, which has managed to transform the rural community and give families the capacity to take care of themselves.”
Meanwhile, Young Africa district project coordinator Mr Sylvester Chinoperekwei linked climate change to rising child marriages in Mbire district.
He said prolonged droughts and food shortages had left many families vulnerable.
“Climate has had an impact on the wellbeing of communities in Mbire, causing instabilities amongst family members,” said Mr Chinoperekwei.
“Shortages of food due to climate impacts contributed to child marriages. We are here to empower communities with skills to navigate droughts and build resilience, complementing Government’s efforts to create a self-sufficient society.”
Zimbabwe has stepped up its climate response through the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (2024–2030), enhanced emission reduction targets and a National Climate Change Response Strategy.
The country continues to advocate for increased international financing to support sustainable development in vulnerable sectors such as agriculture and health.
