Online Reporter
Prosper Ndlovu and Theseus Shambare, Zimpapers Reporters
A newly solar-powered borehole installed by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Bulawayo’s Old Lobengula suburb has breathed fresh life into Mamkhwananzi Garden, empowering 91 families to grow vegetables, earn reliable income and build household resilience amid rising urban food insecurity.
Like other Zimbabwean cities, Bulawayo hosts growing numbers of households facing food and income stress.
This has prompted WFP and its partners to work across three complementary streams — Protect (cash assistance), Build (urban livelihoods), and Prepare (urban disaster readiness) — to help families meet immediate needs, strengthen incomes, and ensure cities are ready for shocks.
The revived garden project, part of WFP’s urban resilience and agriculture support in Bulawayo, has become a lifeline for residents — including the elderly, women and youths — who now earn steady income through horticulture.
Under the project, each beneficiary manages three vegetable beds measuring 30 metres by 1.5 metres, producing tomatoes, onions and leafy greens for wholesale to local vendors.
With each bed capable of generating around US$30 per harvest, farmers can earn at least US$150 every fortnight if they manage their crops well — a significant boost for low-income urban households.
Garden chairperson Mr Trynos Dube said the borehole has transformed not only the garden but also the lives of families who had long struggled for water.
“This borehole changed everything for us. For the first time in years, we can plant consistently without fearing water cuts. My own household has been transformed and now I spend time mentoring other farmers so they can also rise out of poverty,” he said.
The project hosts many vulnerable elderly beneficiaries, including widows caring for grandchildren, who say the initiative has restored their dignity and stability.
Mrs Marry Ndlovu (89), who lost two of her four children, said the garden had become her only dependable source of income.
“At my age, I never imagined I could still work and provide for my grandchildren. These vegetable beds are feeding my home. I am grateful because now we no longer sleep hungry,” she said.
Another senior farmer, Mrs Sibonginkosi Sipepa Nkomo (78), said the new water system gave her confidence to continue farming despite her age.
“What WFP has done gives us strength. We may be old, but we can still work and earn something. The garden has united us and restored hope,” she said.
Ms Corina Msipa (72) described the garden project as her “industry”, providing sustainable income and keeping her active and healthy.
Ms Lucia Dube (64) said the income from the garden makes her independent as she no longer needs to rely on her children.
“Ukuba ngusikhangezile kuyadaka — that era has gone. We work for ourselves,” she said.
The project is also attracting youthful energy, with young participants preparing to venture into fish farming using the newly available water.
“We want to expand this garden into a business space for young people. With reliable water, fish farming is now possible and we are ready to start,” said youth representative Thandekile Jubane (32).
The Mamkhwananzi Garden is one of several urban agriculture initiatives designed to strengthen household incomes, improve nutrition and build long-term resilience.
For the 91 families tending their green belts in Lobengula, the borehole has become more than infrastructure — it is the heartbeat of renewed livelihoods and irrigated dreams.
For enhanced security, WFP has also provided a fence for the entire garden and works closely with extension officers for capacity building and support to farmers who now supply fresh horticultural produce across the city.
