Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in BULAWAYO
A NEWLY solarised borehole installed by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Lobengula, Bulawayo, has breathed fresh life into Mamkhwananzi Garden, empowering 91 families to grow vegetables, earn a reliable income and build household resilience amid rising urban food insecurity.
The revived garden project, part of WFP’s urban resilience and agriculture support in Bulawayo, has become a lifeline for residents — including the elderly, women and youths — who now earn steady incomes through horticulture.
Each beneficiary manages three vegetable beds measuring 30 metres by 1.5 metres, producing tomatoes, onions and leafy vegetables for wholesale to local vendors.
With each bed capable of generating around US$30 per harvest, farmers can earn at least US$150 every fortnight if they manage their crops well — a significant boost for low-income urban households.
Garden chairperson Mr Trynos Dube said the borehole transformed not only the garden but also the lives of families who had long struggled for water.
“This borehole changed everything for us. For the first time in years, we can plant consistently without fearing water cuts.
“My own household has been transformed and now I spend time mentoring other farmers so they can also rise out of poverty,” he said.
Elderly beneficiaries, many of whom care for grandchildren, say the project has restored dignity and stability.
Mrs Marry Ndhlovu (89), who lost two of her four children, said the garden had become her only dependable source of income.
“At my age, I never imagined I could still work and provide for my grandchildren. These vegetable beds are feeding my home. I am grateful because now we no longer sleep hungry,” she said.
Another senior farmer, Mrs Sibonginkosi Sipepa (78), said the new water system gave her confidence to continue farming despite her age.
“What WFP has done gives us strength. We may be old, but we can still work and earn something. The garden has united us and restored hope,” she said.
The project is also attracting youthful energy, with young participants preparing to venture into fish farming using the newly available water.
“We want to expand this garden into a business space for young people. With reliable water, fish farming is now possible and we are ready to start,” said one youth representative, Thandekile Jubane (32)
The Mamkhwananzi Garden is one of several urban agriculture initiatives designed to strengthen household incomes, improve nutrition and build long-term resilience.
For the 91 families tending their green belts in Lobengula, the borehole has become more than infrastructure — it is the heartbeat of renewed livelihoods and irrigated dreams.
