mbulelo smpofu
Robin Muchetu recently in Masvingo
HUNDREDS of villagers in Chivi North are set for a life-transforming development as the once barren land characterised by thorny shrubbery has been revitalised and turned into flourishing fields through the establishment of the 156-hectare Bwanya Irrigation Scheme.
The development is expected to pave the way for food self-sufficiency for local farmers and their families.
One of the beneficiaries of the scheme, Ms Veronica Mamvura (35), envisions this previously unproductive area bustling with life, securing food and livelihoods for her community.
Together with 305 fellow farmers, Ms Mamvura is ready to reap the rewards of the new irrigation scheme.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Government’s Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Through the partnership, the community has received a state-of-the-art hybrid centre pivot irrigation system, along with a semi-sprinkler system designed to breathe new life into their fields.
A recent visit to the irrigation scheme located in Ward Three of Chivi North constituency revealed a picture of renewed hope.
Farmers, long affected by severe drought conditions exacerbated by El Niño are eager to embark on agricultural projects that promise to uplift their lives.
“I am part of the Irrigation Management Committee, and when I heard about this irrigation project, I felt a surge of happiness,” Ms Mamvura told Sunday News.
“Hunger had become a constant reality for us. With this scheme, we believe hunger will become a thing of the past, allowing us to provide for our families and communities.”
The farmers are not only committed to their own success, they plan to extend their support to the neighbouring communities who have also struggled against the relentless impacts of climate change.
“We are determined to assist those around us,” Ms Mamvura added.
“People used to say that in Chivi District, hunger was so severe that an old lady once boiled stones and drank soup for sustenance. We aim to put an end to such stories.”
She said the journey to establish the irrigation scheme was fraught with challenges adding that it was through determination and perseverance that they were where they were now.
“Our fields had turned into thickets due to inadequate rainfall in previous years,” Ms Mamvura recounted.
“We started clearing the land last December, burning stumps, and removing stones to prepare for ploughing. Thankfully, we are nearing the completion of this arduous task.”
As rains have begun to fall in the province, farmers like Ms Mamvura are anxious to begin ploughing taking advantage of the moisture.
However, one pressing issue remains — securing a perimeter fence to protect their crops from livestock.
“This is a significant challenge for us,” she said.
“We estimate the cost for fencing to be around US$74 000, which is a daunting target. We’ve initiated a fund where each farmer contributes US$7, and we plan to repeat this cycle until we reach our goal.”
The centre pivot irrigation system is equipped with solar power and backup electricity, making it energy-efficient.
Local farmers are grateful for the assistance provided by the Second Republic and its development partners as they believe this support will be crucial to their success.
Mr Ekem Tinago, chairman of the irrigation scheme expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement.
“Farmers donated their land, and we prioritise those who helped clear the fields. Each farmer, along with three children, has been allocated 0,5 hectares for cultivation,” he explained.
They are now preparing to plant maize and small grains and are exploring potential markets for their produce.
Water supply is already in place, with pipes connected to the irrigation system, drawing water from the Shashe River, located about 7,5 kilometres away.
“We’ve tested the irrigation pivots, and everything is functioning well. With Muzhwi Dam providing consistent water flow, we are confident about our upcoming farming season,” Mr Tinago added.
The scheme encompasses 156 hectares in total, with 72 hectares designated for pivot irrigation and 84 hectares for sprinklers. Of the participating farmers, 215 are men, 85 are women, 94 are young people and eight are persons with disabilities.
Chief Madamombe, who oversees the area where the irrigation project is located, voiced his support.
“This initiative is a welcome development that will enhance food security, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 2’s mission to eradicate hunger. We are grateful to see such commitment from the Government and its partners. After years of struggle, our land is finally being put to good use, and we hope to see our community flourishing with crops that can serve as an example for others.”
The community is also set to benefit from the expertise of a resident Agricultural Extension Officer, who will provide essential farming advice to the beneficiaries of the scheme. This programme aims to bolster the resilience of agricultural livelihoods within vulnerable communities.
The farmers with joy written all over their faces said they are poised to switch the narrative from cursed lands to vibrant fields of abundance. – @NyembeziMu
Online Reporter
