Villagers set for socio-economic transformation with new business unit

Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]

VILLAGERS in Makhubu, Gwanda District, are set for a major socio-economic transformation following the establishment of a village business unit (VBU) in their area.

The initiative, launched under the Presidential village business unit programme, has already seen the establishment of a one-hectare irrigated garden that is benefitting 56 members.

As part of the expansion, the VBU will soon incorporate livestock feeding and drinking troughs, a veterinary corner, a livestock sale point and communal water points.

The farmers, who planted maize and butternut in their first cropping cycle, are expecting a good harvest. In the next cycle, they plan to cultivate a variety of cash crops, taking advantage of their reliable borehole water supply.

“We are delighted to have benefitted from the Government’s Village Business Unit programme. Our project has 56 members and we expect more to join because this initiative is meant to uplift our entire ward,” said Mr Tahaga Ndlovu, chairperson of the Makhubu VBU.

“This is our first crop and our maize is almost ready for harvesting. Next, we will focus on horticulture cash crops to boost our income. Having a borehole ensures consistent production and we are optimistic about the future.”

Ms Brilliant Moyo, a project member, echoed the same sentiments, saying the income from their produce will help sustain families and reduce dependency on external food sources. She also expressed excitement about the additional projects that will be introduced at their VBU.

Speaking during a Presidential village business unit field day at the garden, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, underscored the importance of horticulture projects in economic empowerment.

“Today, we are reminded of the vision of His Excellency, President Dr ED Mnangagwa, which is to create a prosperous and empowered nation. The Presidential village business unit programme is a key component of this vision,” she said.
Dr Ndlovu said the VBUs will help alleviate poverty and enhance livelihoods, ultimately boosting the economic status of rural communities.

She also encouraged farmers to work closely with agricultural experts to maximise production and efficiency. The Presidential village business unit programme falls under the broader Presidential Rural Development Programme, which aims to establish 10 000 high-yielding, solar-powered boreholes across the country, create 35  000 VBUs countrywide, support rural industrialisation through agriculture and livestock projects and enhance food security and income generation in rural areas.

Each VBU consists of a one-hectare drip-irrigated horticulture project, a solar-powered borehole, water storage reservoirs, fish ponds, communal water points and orchards and poultry projects where feasible.

Linked to the VBUs are school business units (SBUs), which are helping schools generate revenue thereby reducing dependence on school fees.

The VBU concept aligns with the Second Republic’s Rural Development 8.0 initiative, which includes the Accelerator Model, Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme, Presidential Poultry, Fisheries and Tick Grease Schemes and Presidential Cotton Inputs Scheme. These initiatives feed into Vision 2030, which seeks to uplift rural communities, enhance agricultural productivity and drive rural industrialisation.

With over 400 VBUs already established across the country, benefitting 3 500 households, the programme is proving to be a game changer in rural economic empowerment. — @DubeMatutu