Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
TEMBA MUSIIWA stands proudly in a field of ripe tomatoes, ready for harvest in Zunde Village, Mt Darwin.
He is one of many villagers eagerly anticipating the fruits of their labour, thanks to the establishment of Village Business Units (VBUs) across the country.
This initiative marks a significant step towards combating food insecurity and uplifting rural livelihoods.
The VBUs, created through a partnership between the Government and the private sector, play a crucial role in enhancing nutrition and providing employment opportunities.
They reflect the Second Republic’s commitment to revitalising previously marginalised communities. Reports from various provinces indicate notable sales, highlighting the economic benefits these ventures bring to local economies.
The VBUs, which have been established across the country by the Government in partnership with the private sector, are playing a vital role in enhancing nutrition and providing employment opportunities, showcasing the Second Republic’s unwavering commitment to revitalising previously marginalised communities.
Provinces have reported notable sales, underscoring the widespread benefits that these ventures bring to local economies. Unlike traditional agricultural plots, VBUs are comprehensive business models designed to improve community livelihoods.
They are not just about farming; they represent a sustainable economic framework that empowers families and fosters a sense of community.
A key component of the VBU initiative is access to water, facilitated by the drilling of over 50 000 boreholes nationwide. This critical infrastructure allows communities to cultivate a variety of crops, including tomatoes, onions, leafy greens and winter maize.
The ability to grow these crops not only enhances food security but also provides a steady source of income for families. Community members have embraced this opportunity, selling their produce in local markets and to supermarkets, significantly improving their financial situation.
“I hope the harvest will be meaningful. Ever since we started, we have been earning steady incomes and this harvest is promising better yields. From the money realised, we can send our children to school and buy essentials,” said Musiiwa, who has joined hands with other villagers to earn a living through horticulture.
In addition to VBUs, the initiative also encompasses School Business Units (SBUs), which help schools generate revenue, thereby reducing dependence on school fees. This dual approach ensures that both agricultural and educational needs are being addressed, creating a more holistic model for community development.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), along with companies like Prevail Group International, have been working around the clock to establish the VBUs.
“We are excited as the private sector to complement Government efforts in drilling boreholes and establishing VBUs across the country. This is in the spirit of leaving no one and no place behind as enunciated by President Mnangagwa,” said Mrs Tariro Dondo, a manager at Prevail International.
In Manicaland, for example, the establishment of Village Agro-Business Units in villages like Chisuma, Temaruru, Tamburikayi, Hakwata, Chichesa, Mutema Secondary and Chief Mutema’s homestead has proven to be a game changer. The lives of beneficiary rural communities are being transformed, as they experience improved food security, job creation and enhanced income generation.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri emphasised the importance of community involvement in these initiatives.
“We anticipate that the entire village will rally behind the village business unit to ensure its operational success. This initiative goes beyond just farming; it is about creating a sustainable economic model that empowers families and fosters community spirit. By working together, villagers can ensure food security, which is critical.”
The impact of VBUs extends far beyond mere financial gains. For instance, the Masibambane and Zamani nutritional gardens in Lupane, which have transformed into thriving business units, improving the livelihoods of over 100 local beneficiaries.
These gardens have become vital sources of food and income, demonstrating the potential of community-driven agricultural projects.
Beneficiaries often express their gratitude for the positive changes brought about by the VBU initiative. Mrs Fungai Chivhoko, a villager who was recently interviewed, hailed President Mnangagwa for implementing sustainable projects that are uplifting livelihoods.
“This project has been a life changer for us. We have been able to sell products and get profits,” she said, reflecting the joy and hope instilled by these initiatives.
Mrs Patience Mhlanga, the secretary of the Dzenga Village Business Unit, shared her optimism.
“Our garden has four crops and after we make sales, we are guaranteed to make huge profits. We are grateful that we have access to water and drip irrigation. Our lives are being transformed for real and we are thankful to have been entrusted with such a project,” she said. Village Business Units represent a powerful tool for community empowerment and economic development, fostering collaboration and resilience among rural populations.
The VBU initiative not only uplifts rural livelihoods but also instils hope, demonstrating the potential for a brighter future driven by collective effort and innovation.
