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Kudakwashe Chidziya Manicaland Correspondent
MINISTRY of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry has begun implementing sustainable projects for victims of Cyclone Idai as a way of reducing dependency to foster inclusivity in economic participation towards Vision 2030.
The projects varying from apiculture, nutritional gardening and fish farming will sustain over 100 families. The projects will start in Machongwe, which was one of the hardest hit areas.
Addressing some of the beneficiaries in Machongwe last week, Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira said apart from continuous dependency on donor funding and collective social support, Chimanimani people could utilise their natural resources like land, favourable weather patterns to become self-sustainable.
“Today we have not come with the fish, but the fish nets. The fishnets are in the form of resources. We will therefore render support beyond inputs as we are also concerned with the security in the nutritional gardens,” she said.
She said villagers should also embrace beekeeping as it could be a viable source of income.
“Beekeeping is one of the trending farming activities in the country. Here in Machongwe, people must also embark on apiculture and to motivate you, I will provide 30 beehives. You might be wondering the availability of market, but let me assure you that there is high demand of bee products and currently we already have the market, department of forestry assured us that they will buy the honey,” she said.
Minister Mupfumira said she had already secured a market for bee products and donated 30 beehives for the villagers.
The ministry is rolling out the projects in partnership with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), the Forestry Commission as well as ZimParks.
Online Reporter