Story by John Nhandara
BUHERA – THE establishment of village business units across the country is sustaining families in rural communities providing them with commercially viable enterprise and financial security.
In Buhera District, Manicaland Province, the success of the Dzenga and Gwevu Village Business Units stands as a testament to the impact of the programme under the Presidential Rural Development Programme.
The Dzenga VBU, in particular, has become a beacon of economic transformation, benefiting over 50 families, many of whom now enjoy improved livelihoods and the ability to support their children’s education and meet other essential needs.
“Since the establishment of this VBU, our lives have transformed. We are now actively engaged in productive agricultural work,” a beneficiary said.
The Dzenga VBU is primarily focused on horticulture, with tomato farming proving especially lucrative, with the Treasurer saying Mr Joseph Mapanzure the project is in its third production cycle.
“We are in our third cycle now since the establishment of this village business unit last year. We have planted tomatoes among other crops. With tomatoes, we are targeting not less than US$4 000,” he said.
Dzenga Village head, Mr Piano Muneri said the establishment of the village business unit has brought renewed hope and economic stability to families who are also shareholders.
“We now have about 54 families benefitting directly from the business unit. The borehole provides clean water not just to Dzenga, but also to surrounding villages who fetch water here and purchase our produce.”
Village business units are part of the Presidential Rural Development Programme which aims to stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods in rural communities across Zimbabwe.
