adminBlessing Rwizi
DEVELOPMENT agency, Practical Action, in conjunction with two other organisations has boosted the success chances of 303 small-scale farmers at Nyakomba Irrigation Scheme after helping them secure Michigan beans contracts with Cairns Foods.
In bargaining the contract, Practical Action partnered Zambuko Trust and Farm Community Trust.
The three are Big Lottery-funded NGOs and have been operating in Nyakomba, Nyamaropa and Bende where they have been implementing projects that positively promoted rural livelihoods in during drought stricken areas.
The projects started in 2013.
After successfully negotiating the contract, Cairns has so far delivered to Nyakomba Irrigation Scheme bean seed that covers 50 hectares.
Next week the food processing concern is expected to deliver another consignment for another 50ha.
The company has since delivered an assortment of fertilisers to cover the 100ha.
Some of the farmers have already planted and as per agreement will sell the produce to Cairns at a cost of 80 cents per kilogramme.
Nyakomba Irrigation Scheme marketing chairperson, Mr Tendai Chiwandandebvu, said the community had realised positive lifestyle transformation since Practical Action and the other partners came on board.
“Drought had become a threat to our existence, but we were so lucky to get a package from Cairns and CABS through Practical Action and its partners.
“Now we have this big contract and ready market to supply after harvesting our crop. Of course, the partnership with the NGOs shall come to an end but since the projects are sustainable, and we can continue on our own.
“Practical Action took us through learning workshops in different parts of the country where we managed to learn survival methods after weaning-off,” said Mr Chiwandandebvu.
Practical Action projects manager for Manicaland province, Mr Reginald Sithole, said: “Farmers in Nyanga have not been difficult to work with over the past three years. It was indeed our duty to make sure we meet targets and in this case we have been successful. Now they are at a stage where they can continue on their own even if we left. We are glad Cairns has already delivered inputs as per our agreement. We foresee wonders in these communities and we believe they are going to manage even if we left.”
Online Reporter