Pikinini-Jawanda Irrigation Scheme transforms Mwenezi lives, boosting food security and economic growth

Members of the Pikinini-Jawanda Irrigation Scheme tend to their crop

Theseus Shambare in MWENEZI

Collaboration between the Government, development partners and private players has successfully transformed the lives of Mwenezi people through the establishment of a fully functional irrigation scheme in the heart of one of Zimbabwe’s driest districts.

A recent media tour to the area revealed that the 156-hectare Pikinini-Jawanda Irrigation Scheme — supported by the Government, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Green Climate Fund — is now a beacon of food security and economic resilience, directly benefitting over 300 households from Pikinini and Jawanda villages.

Farmers in the area are now producing crops once thought impossible in the region, including over 50 hectares of winter wheat.

In addition, 30 hectares are under seed sugar bean production through a contract farming arrangement with SeedCo, providing farmers with guaranteed markets and technical support.

In an interview, Pikinini-Jawanda business advisor Mr Jonah Bukuvani of ARDAS said the scheme was empowering rural farmers with more than just water.

“We are giving communities the knowledge and tools to run agriculture as a business. This is transforming livelihoods and driving rural industrialisation,” he said.

Ms Wendy Madzura, SeedCo’s chief agronomist, said they were impressed by the scheme’s organisation and potential.

“We have partnered with the farmers to grow certified seed sugar beans, and SeedCo has committed to buying the yield provided it meets quality standards. It is a win-win partnership,” she said.

So far, farmers have earned over US$5 000 from selling green mealies.

Ms Sifelani Chiwanatambo, a mother of four, said: “I managed to buy groceries and pay school fees on time — all from selling green mealies. This irrigation scheme has brought us real dignity.”

Mr Passmore Madzudzo, another member, added: “We have never grown wheat here before. Seeing it thrive gives us so much hope. With irrigation, anything is possible.”

However, farmers appealed for more support in completing the scheme’s perimeter fencing and acquiring transport for produce marketing to other markets.