shloboe boe
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
MORE than 40 beneficiaries of the Thuthukani Horticulture Co-operative in Umguza Rural District Council, Matabeleland North Province are celebrating the project’s remarkable success after generating over US$5 800 in the project’s first crop cycle.
The co-operative has become a beacon of hope as it has significantly improved the local economy and the lives of its members.
Located on a five-acre plot in Ntabazinduna, the project features a 2 000-square-metre greenhouse, a packaging house and a cold room for processing and storing produce.
During a visit to the site on Wednesday by Sunday News, it was evident that the initiative focuses on cultivating high-value crops in the greenhouse while low-value crops are grown on three hectares equipped with drip irrigation.
The strategy aims to penetrate lucrative export markets with produce such as peas, sugar snap peas, fine beans and paprika. The initiative is already supplying upscale markets like Food Lovers and many Government institutions.
Beneficiaries report significant progress over the past two years. The first year concentrated on construction and preparation while the second year showcased successful crop cultivation, including peppers, marrow, fine beans, cucumbers and cabbages. The project’s impact extends beyond economic benefits.
For many women, like Ms Samukelisiwe Ncube, a widow, it has provided empowerment and financial independence while fostering community cohesion and addressing issues like gender-based violence.
“My husband passed away a few years back, but this project has empowered me and my family. This year, I was able to pay my child’s school fees and purchase all necessary school supplies,” Ms Ncube said.
“The initiative has also helped reduce gender-based violence in our community by ensuring we can harvest and sell cabbages, green peppers and other produce thereby securing financial independence especially for women.”
Another beneficiary, Ms Khayelihle Moyo reflected on her personal transformation.
“I began working on this project in 2023 and it has changed my life. I was once an introvert, but now I interact with other women and enjoy the sense of community we have created. This place serves as therapy, providing a welcoming atmosphere that benefits us all.”
Chairperson of the cooperative, Mr Nkululeko Mhlanga noted that the cooperative has generated US$5 800 from sales primarily to local markets, including Food Lovers in Bulawayo, vegetable vendors, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and the local police training depots.
He emphasised the co-operative’s commitment to enhancing community welfare and plans to identify vulnerable children to support with school fees this year.
“When we started, we were just about 50 people clearing land without a clear direction,” he said.
“The project has not only transformed our lives but has also provided support for the disabled, elderly and bereaved in our community.”
Umguza Rural District Council agronomist Mr Leonel Maphosa elaborated on the project design highlighting the dual focus on high-value and low-value crops.
“We intend to grow into the export market, equipping our land to ensure we can produce vegetables that are highly sought after internationally, such as peas and chillies.”
He said Thuthukani Horticulture Project stands as a testament to how agricultural initiatives can improve lives, strengthen communities and contribute to economic growth in rural Zimbabwe. @nyeve14
Online Reporter