Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare-Features Writer
FARMERS in Siakobvu are gradually transitioning from seasonal subsistence farming into structured, market-oriented agricultural production following the revival of the Siakobvu Village Business Unit in Ward 7 under Chief Nebiri.
Situated in agro-ecological region five, an area characterised by low rainfall and frequent droughts, Siakobvu has long depended on donor handouts and rain-fed cropping.
However, the resuscitation of the Crop Livestock Improvement Centre (CLIC), locally known as the Siakobvu VBU, is beginning to change the narrative.
Initially established in 2017, the business unit became defunct after its water pump broke down, rendering the irrigation system unusable and halting production.
Last year, under the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF) Phase 2, the centre was revived, with US$12 000 injected towards pipeline rehabilitation, installation of a diamond mesh and electric fence to keep away baboons, as well as procurement of seed and other inputs.
The project is supported under ZRBF Phase 2, with funding from the European union and the Government of Ireland, led, managed and coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), technically supported by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in natural resource management and agriculture, and strengthened by the Resilience Knowledge Hub (MERCYCorps) through evidence generation and a catalytic role.
The project is being implemented in the Mid Zambezi by the Ushingi Consortium led by DanChurchAid.
Today, the rehabilitated water system is fully functional, with a new pipeline installed and production underway.
The plot has been divided into three sections focusing on horticulture, agro-forestry and livestock value-addition supporting 71 farmers.
At least 210 paw paw trees have been planted under an agro-ecological model, with 80 already fruiting and each expected to produce between 30kg and 40kg per tree.
Butternuts are also thriving under irrigation, a rare sight in an area previously known for having virtually no fruit production due to its harsh climatic conditions.
A cattle pen fattening project is expected to kickstart as farmers diversify income streams.
UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Ayodele Odusola, said the revival of the VBU demonstrates how strategic investments can unlock rural economic potential.
“The resuscitation of the Siakobvu Village Business Unit is a clear example of how resilience-building interventions can transform vulnerable communities into productive economic hubs,” said Dr Odusola.
“By restoring water infrastructure and strengthening local capacity, we are not only improving food security but also creating pathways for income generation and sustainable livelihoods.”
The chairperson of the Siakobvu VBU, Mr Leonard Chiyandamali, said the community had regained hope.
“For some time, this centre was just idle infrastructure after the pump broke down. Now we have water, we have crops in the field and we are looking forward to securing markets for our produce,” he said.
“We are no longer just waiting for food aid; we are working towards becoming commercial farmers.”
Portia Mashambe (34) of Chari Village said the project had changed household prospects.
“We used to struggle to grow anything because of the dry conditions. Today we are harvesting pawpaws and butternuts. This project is teaching us farming as a business, not just for consumption,” she said.
Mashonaland West acting director of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services, Mrs Evelyn Ndoro, applauded the collaborative model behind the initiative.
“This is a strong example of what can be achieved when the Government, development partners and communities work together.
“Such collaborations are critical in building climate resilience and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth in region five,” she said.
With irrigation restored, Mrs Ndoro said, diversified production underway and market linkages being pursued, the once-dormant Siakobvu Village Business Unit is steadily emerging as a beacon of resilience in one of Zimbabwe’s driest regions.
Peter Tanyanyiwa