Story by Abigirl Tembo
BWANYA Irrigation Scheme, a flagship project under the Green Climate Fund-supported initiative, is nearing completion, ushering in a new era of climate-resilient agriculture for 300 households in Chivi district.
The 156-hectare irrigation scheme is a key component of a broader initiative aimed at fortifying agricultural resilience in Zimbabwe.
It aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Vision 2030 regarding food security and sustainable agriculture.
The project also contributes to the attainment of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 -Zero Hunger and SDG 13 – Climate Action.
With land clearing and pivot connection complete, beneficiaries who include women, the elderly, youths as well as people with disabilities are eagerly awaiting the connection of electricity at the end of this month.
“I have stayed in this area for 68 years and our crop yield has always been low and we would grow short season varieties like sorghum, which do not require a lot of water, but now with the coming in of this agricultural scheme, we are hoping that we will have a bumper harvest all year round,” said Chief Madamombe.
“We are grateful for the government’s initiative and the support from development partners. The irrigation scheme will ensure a steady water supply, allowing us to grow crops regardless of the weather,” said a community member.
A youth added, “As the youths, we are happy to be a part of this irrigation scheme because we know that this will sustain our livelihoods.”
Masvingo Provincial Crop Specialist, Mr Tsikai Mudavanhu says the irrigation scheme will ensure the production of a variety of crops all year round, in line with the government’s food security drive under the National Development Strategy One and Vison 2030.
“This project started in 2021 and we expect it to be complete by the end of November. Had it not been issues to do with electricity, it should have started. In this area, their farming was mainly rain fed and their harvests were not that much because this area normally receives low rainfall, they normally grow sorghum, but their yields were always low. So, now, with the coming in of this irrigation, this area will widen their crop basket because they now have the opportunity to grow other crop varieties plus they are now flexible even to grow horticultural crops.”
Bwanya is one of 21 smallholder irrigation schemes being revitalised under a US$47.8 million project, jointly funded by the government and the Green Climate Fund, with government contributing US$20 million.
Implemented in partnership with UNDP and other stakeholders, the initiative is expected to benefit 2.3 million people across Manicaland, Masvingo, and Matabeleland South provinces.
