Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare recently in Umguza
IN Umguza District, red dust swirls over semi-arid plains where rainfall is scarce and the sun is unforgiving.
In 2002, 120 farmers answered a call to awaken barren land, feed families and secure livelihoods in a region often denied both rain and opportunity.
The scheme’s very name, Phaphamani — meaning “wake up” or “be awakened” — reflects this mission: to awaken barren land, rouse hope in drought-prone communities and inspire farmers to transform hardship into opportunity.
Like a winnowing basket, the years wore on and gruelling conditions forced many to leave.
Crop failures, poor-quality seed and unreliable water tested the resolve of the early farmers.
Slowly, the crowd thinned until only 12 remained — eight women and four men. They were the few chosen to see the land’s potential through toil, patience and vision.
The number 12 carries weight beyond arithmetic.
Biblically, it evokes completeness and purpose — 12 tribes of Israel, 12 disciples, 12 gates of the holy city.
Indeed, “For many are called, but few are chosen,” — Matthew 22 verse14, as have the Phaphamani 12.
In Shona and Ndebele culture, 12 symbolises cycles of nature, communal decision-making and shared stewardship.
At Phaphamani, the dozen farmers embody both traditions: custodians of community, guardians of hope and architects of resilience.
The Phaphamani Irrigation Scheme, established during Zimbabwe’s Land Reform Programme, spans 50 hectares in a region notorious for dry, red soils.
At inception, 120 farmers were drawn by the vision of turning marginal land into productive fields.
Yet the first seasons tested every ounce of determination.
“We planted and prayed, but the rains never came,” recalled Ms Sithembiso Banda, 54, from Fountain Village under Chief Deli.
“Some seasons, we harvested almost nothing. Many gave up. I stayed because my children’s future depended on this land.”
Ms Banda’s commitment is mirrored by Mr Geshom Dube, head of security at the scheme, who patrols fields daily to safeguard crops.
“If animals or stray cattle destroy the harvest, all the work fails. Security goes hand in hand with irrigation.”
Today, the 12 farmers cultivate wheat, maize and horticultural crops, proving that vision paired with perseverance can defy the odds.
Phaphamani’s transformation would have been impossible without strategic support from Government and its partners. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development provided critical infrastructure, including boreholes and centre-pivot irrigation systems, ensuring year-round water supply.
“Without boreholes and irrigation, we could not have awakened this land,” said Mrs Ketty Ncube, vice-chairperson of the scheme.
Financial backing came from the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) via the Seed Revolving Fund, enabling farmers to purchase certified seed and fertiliser.
AFC Managing Director Ms Priscilla Munyeza emphasised, “Our goal was to empower these farmers to view agriculture as a business. Today, they plan crops, manage budgets and even use digital banking to handle income and expenses.”
International partners, notably the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the African Development Bank (AfDB), supplied technical training and climate-smart agriculture guidance.
FAO’s Sub-regional Co-ordinator, Dr Patrice Talla, emphasised the need to train locals to be resilient.
“We are building resilience. These farmers adopt techniques that protect yields against drought and improve sustainability, making Phaphamani a model for semi-arid regions,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s semi-arid regions have long lagged in agricultural productivity.
Droughts and erratic rainfall contribute to chronic food insecurity, leaving families vulnerable and children at risk of school dropouts.
In 2024, 7,1 million Zimbabweans were identified as food insecure, with rural communities bearing the brunt.
About 63percent of pupils in rural schools drop out, with girls disproportionately affected due to early marriage, pregnancy and household labour, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
In areas like Umguza, initiatives such as the Phaphamani Irrigation Scheme help keep children in school by providing stable livelihoods, with harvest proceeds contributing to school fees and household needs.
Its 50 hectares consistently yield crops that feed families, pay school fees and allow farmers to reinvest in the land.
Ms Banda notes, “Before, I worried about feeding my children. Now, the harvest provides not just food, but hope and security.”
Of the 12 farmers, eight are women, a clear demonstration of gender empowerment.
Their leadership ensures that benefits from agricultural productivity—nutrition, education and household welfare — reach families directly.
“We are proud to lead and make decisions that impact our community,” said Mrs Ncube.
“Agriculture empowers us to provide for our children and inspire the next generation.”
This inclusion aligns with Government objectives to foster sustainable, inclusive rural development while combating climate vulnerabilities.
Phaphamani embodies Zimbabwe’s strategy for climate adaptation.
The Government’s Nationally Determined Contributions stress efficient water use and sustainable farming practices.
By adopting pivot irrigation, crop rotation, soil conservation and integrated pest management, the farmers are not only securing yields but also reducing environmental impact. Agricultural Business Advisory Officer Ms Sithabisiwe Mpofu praised their discipline: “They plan carefully, select the best crop varieties and plant on time.
This is why they succeed even under harsh conditions. They understand that farming is a business, not just survival.”
Plans for a cattle fattening enterprise using on-farm-grown feed are underway, adding another layer of resilience and sustainability.
The Phaphamani 12 expects 100 tonnes of wheat from 15 hectares, a record yield for the scheme.
The crop will be sold to the Grain Marketing Board, contributing to national strategic reserves.
“We are producing more than food — we are producing hope,” Ms Banda said.
Mr Dube added, “The land responds when you care for it, plan carefully and persevere. That is our testimony.”
The story of Phaphamani’s dozen farmers is a wake-up call: strategic support, community commitment and climate-smart practices can turn dryland into a breadbasket.
From humble beginnings to a thriving scheme, the 12 farmers are proving that resilience and vision can overcome hardship, inspire communities and safeguard food security.
As Ms Munyeza of AFC noted, “If 12 farmers can transform 50 hectares into a beacon of hope, imagine what thousands can achieve across Zimbabwe’s drylands.”
The Phaphamani 12 — custodians of hope and architects of resilience — have not only answered the call; they have awakened the land, their community and a vision for a more food-secure Zimbabwe.
