Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Reporter
THE roll-out of Village Business Units (VBUs) under the Presidential Rural Development Programme is transforming rural livelihoods across the country, empowering families with commercially viable enterprises that are delivering food security, income generation and long-term economic resilience.
In Buhera District, Manicaland Province, the success of the Dzenga and Gwevu Village Business Units stands as a testament to the impact of the programme under the Presidential Rural Development Programme.
The programme has been further bolstered by the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme, which is being implemented by Prevail International, ensuring consistent water supply to sustain horticulture and other farming activities.
Mr Joseph Mapanzure, Treasurer of the Dzenga VBU, confirmed that the project is in its third production cycle and continues to yield positive returns.
“We are in our third cycle now since the establishment of this village business unit last year. We have planted tomatoes among other crops. With tomatoes alone, we are targeting not less than US$4 000,” he said.
The horticulture projects chiefly focused on tomatoes, maize, beans and leafy vegetables have not only improved household nutrition, but also created revenue streams for the community.
Village Head Mr Piano Muneri praised the impact of the business unit, noting that the initiative had restored hope for many families who were previously struggling to meet their daily needs.
“We now have about 54 families benefiting directly from the business unit. The borehole provides clean water not just to Dzenga, but also to surrounding villages who fetch water here and purchase our produce,” said Mr Muneri.
He said children from beneficiary families were now attending school more regularly, thanks to improved incomes.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Bernard Muchada (49), who serves as the Head of the Dzenga VBU, described the project as both “ongoing and sustainable,” highlighting that with water on site, productivity had significantly improved.
“The initiative is helping us move away from subsistence farming. We are producing for the market and sharing in the profits as families. With every cycle, we gain more confidence and more income,” he said.
Ms Gracious Magwingwiro who serves as the unit’s Secretary, revealed that the most recent maize harvest in September 2024 brought in US$4 230 from a single sale, and that was not the full yield.
“This is our third cycle and we are already seeing consistent returns. That maize sale was just part of the harvest, which shows the potential we have when we combine resources and work together,” she said.
Villagers in Dzenga, buoyed by their success, broke into song and dance during a recent community gathering, chanting praises for President Mnangagwa, whom they referred to as “Shumba vapedza nzara, kwaDzenga!”
As the country marches toward Vision 2030, which aims to achieve an upper-middle income economy, such community-based models are expected to play a critical role in decentralised development and economic inclusivity.
