Manicaland, Zimbabwe – President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s borehole initiative is transforming rural livelihoods in rural Manicaland and Masvingo turning the provinces from a drought-stricken landscape into a thriving agricultural hub.
The scheme, which aims to empower marginalized communities, has spurred the creation of Village Business Units (VBUs) that are driving a green revolution and alleviating poverty.
A media tour yesterday revealed the remarkable impact of the VBUs.
Once reliant on subsistence farming and vulnerable to El Niño-induced droughts, communities in Buhera, Birchnough and Chiredzi are now producing a diverse range of crops for commercial sale.
From maize, potatoes, tomatoes, onions to watermelons and carrots, local farmers are supplying markets across the province and beyond.
Prevail Group International, one of the chief organisations tasked with implementing the borehole drilling, has been instrumental in pushing for the of target 10 000 business units nationwide.
Special Presidential Advisor and Prevail Group International chairman, Dr. Paul Tungwarara, praised the initiative as a catalyst for economic empowerment and a key step towards achieving Zimbabwe’s vision of a middle-income economy by 2030.
“I would want to commend his Excellency Cde Dr President Emmerson Mnangagwa for spearheading a national project of this magnitude, which is empowering rural communities in the most remote parts of the country.
“The Presidential Borehole Scheme and Village Business Units has helped marginalised communities in drought-hit areas become self-sufficient and commercial agriculture actors.
“Through VBUs local villagers are being empowered to not to only take control of their local economies but also contribute to the national economy, which is tandem with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision to create a middle ncome economy by 2030 by leaving no stone unturned,” said Dr Tungwarara.
Daniel Muradzikwa, a local from Chikuwa village, Buhera district applauded the Presidential borehole scheme for not only transforming the livelihoods of villagers but also inspiring a migration of subsistence farming to commercial farming.
“We applaud the President for broadening our scope on farming, in the previous years we were only concerned about farming to only feed our families.
“Now because of the Presidential borehole scheme we have transcended to commercial farming and now producing more than sufficient yields for commercial sale at competitive prices.
“I’m proud to be one of the first local farmers to locally produce potatoes for commercial being inspired by President,” said Muradzikwa.
Muradzikwa said he currently has over 2,500 potato plants with one plant producing a yield of 8-10 Kgs of potatoes, which he sells at competitive price of US$8 dollars.
Calculations show that he can rake up to US$20 000 after harvesting his produce.
Loveness Dhliwayo a villager from Chipinge said the Presidential borehole scheme had transformed their livelihoods as they no longer solely rely on rainwater to agrarian activities.
“Before we had this borehole drilled in our village we relied on rain and often faced hunger. Now, we have water for our crops year-round, and our lives have changed completely.
“We can sell our produce and send our children to school,” said Dhliwayo.
Samson Munorwei, a local elder from Chilohlela village, ward 15 in Chiredzi rural, Masvingo said VBUs were bringing communities together and that the constant supply of water was a ray of hope in the drought hit area.
“The VBUs has brought us together as a community. We share knowledge and resources, and everyone benefits.
“Our incomes have increased, and we are investing in our futures,” said Munorwei.
“The constant supply of water through our borehole is a symbol of hope. It has given us the opportunity to escape poverty and build a better life for ourselves and our families,” added Munorwei.
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