Public-private partnerships bear fruit in Gokwe South

Zimbabwe’s public-private partnerships are yielding impressive results, with the Mutange Irrigation Scheme in Gokwe South, Midlands Province, standing out as a key contributor to the country’s 2024 winter wheat production.

Historically known for cotton farming and hampered by unfavourable climatic conditions, Gokwe South has defied the odds with this groundbreaking initiative.
The success of the irrigation scheme, a collaboration between the Government and Brainchild Farms, has seen the cultivation of 100 hectares of winter wheat now ready for harvesting.

This achievement not only showcases the potential for diversification in Gokwe South’s agricultural sector but also highlights the transformative impact of modern farming practices in the country.

The partnership between the Government and Brainchild Farms represents a shift in agricultural strategy, with the district evolving into a hub for diversified crop production.

The Agricultural Business Centre (ABC) has played a pivotal role in supporting smallholder farmers, providing essential services such as market linkages, value chain development, and access to inputs.

Speaking on the success of the scheme, Brainchild Farms partner Dr Solomon Matsa emphasised the importance of good agronomic practices. “This is a partnership between us and the Government.

“We offered the expertise and financial support at the scheme,” he said. Dr Matsa also highlighted the high quality of the wheat crop, noting that plans are already in place for the upcoming harvest.

“The President said the country is supposed to be developed by its people, so we take a cue from there. “We have 100 hectares of wheat and 32 hectares of maize, which we are expecting to harvest this month,” he said.

While the project has been a success, it has not been without challenges. Dr Matsa explained that the irrigation scheme initially faced water shortages from the dam.
“We purchased two pumps and are in the process of repairing a third.

“By making the right electrical configurations and improving the engineering setup, we ensured that the entire farm has access to proper water distribution,” he said.
The revival of irrigation schemes like Mutange is a key part of the Government’s rural industrialisation strategy, and the results are already being seen.

The Midlands provincial director for Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services, Mrs Olga Mavhakeni, expressed optimism about the province’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s wheat output this season.

“This is the first time such a large-scale wheat production has been achieved at Mutange Irrigation Scheme. “In the past, there were challenges with water and pumping systems, but this year everything has gone smoothly. There are 200 hectares under production,” she said.

Mrs Mavhakeni noted that the province had surpassed its winter wheat target, with over 12 000 hectares under cultivation. “We are at 102 percent of our target and expect to harvest over 60 000 metric tonnes.

“The success we’re seeing is due to the partnerships with private players, which the Government has been advocating for years,” she said.

The success at Mutange can be attributed to several key factors, including the Presidential Inputs Support Scheme, the installation of new pumps by the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa), and an uninterrupted power supply.

Additional support from Government agencies, including tillage implements, also played a critical role.

Timely land preparation, fuel provision, and labour support from Brainchild Farms further contributed to the scheme’s success, making it a model of how public-private partnerships can drive agricultural growth.

With Zimbabwe expecting a wheat harvest of over 600 000 tonnes, surpassing the national requirement of 360 000 tonnes, the country is well on its way to achieving wheat self-sufficiency.

The Second Republic’s focus on maximising the production of essential crops through initiatives like the Mutange Irrigation Scheme is bearing fruit.