Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in CHIPANGAYI, CHIPINGE
REFUGEES at Tongogara Refugee Camp (TRC) in Chipangayi, Chipinge District, are turning aid into thriving agri-businesses, a model the Government hopes local smallholder farmers will emulate.
Zimbabwe’s Pfumvudza/Intwas input support scheme provides seeds and fertilisers to boost production, but experts say it should be treated as a springboard for business rather than handouts.
Farmers are urged to adopt modern farming practices, produce for the market, generate income and reinvest in their farms—becoming true agri-preneurs.
At the camp, refugees are running projects in aquaculture, maize production, livestock farming, black soldier fly feed production, and fish value-addition, all aimed at boosting food security, income and skills development.
Pig sties, chicken runs, an abattoir and a fish value-addition plant are also being established, moving the settlement beyond primary production into agro-processing.
Private sector players are already involved, providing ready markets and making refugee livelihoods viable and sustainable.
Crucially, after receiving support from the Government and development partners, refugees are no longer donor-dependent—they produce for the market, repay loans and reinvest in their projects.
During a tour of the camp, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Davies Marapira, commended the refugees’ efforts.
“Currently, these refugees are producing for a ready market, repaying their debts, and operating businesses that can stand on their own,” he said.
Deputy Minister Marapira implored smallholder farmers to take a leaf from this model and treat agriculture as a business rather than relying solely on free Government inputs.
“Government support under the Presidential Inputs Scheme, should now shift from creating dependency to empowering farmers as agri-preneurs,” he said.
“Persons with disabilities and the elderly may still need ongoing support, but for everyone else, the potential to succeed is real. If refugees can overcome challenges and thrive, so can our citizens with access to empowerment programmes.”
Mr Patrick Bemadu, an aquaculture farmer at the camp, said the initiative had restored dignity while providing financial stability.
“Each production cycle guarantees a decent income for every household. After paying back the initial support, we reinvest into ponds, feed, and equipment, ensuring the project grows sustainably,” he said.
Ms Charlette Kayembe, another farmer at the camp, said innovation had been key to lowering costs.
“We breed black soldier flies using organic waste. The larvae feed our layer chickens and fish, reducing expenses while increasing productivity,” she said.
Local community farmer chairperson Mrs Lizzie Mutyambizi, said cooperation with refugees had been seamless.
“We work together on projects and the local community earns 10 percent from any produce we sell jointly,” she said.
“This partnership has strengthened relations and expanded opportunities for everyone involved.”
Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources (FARD) director, Mr Milton Makumbe, said the projects’ success lay in proper training, feed support and market access.
“With the right skills and inputs, small-scale aquaculture is not only viable but sustainable,” he said.
“It provides both income and nutrition, while equipping refugees and host communities with transferable knowledge for long-term resilience.”
