Story by Fungai Jachi
THE Gororo community in Chivi South, Masvingo Province, is recording renewed agricultural productivity following the commissioning of a 50-hectare Tugwi-Mukosi-powered irrigation scheme, a Government-led initiative implemented in partnership with development partners to strengthen food security, improve household incomes and build resilience to climate change.
The scheme, which supports 72 households, enables year-round agricultural production in a district historically affected by erratic rainfall and recurrent food shortages. It marks a significant shift from rain-fed subsistence farming to reliable, irrigated agriculture.
Beneficiaries say the project has transformed livelihoods while promoting inclusion across the community.
“Our lives have greatly changed since this irrigation scheme was put in place. We can now sustain ourselves throughout the year. It is inclusive of women, men, youths and persons with disabilities, and the community is also benefiting from access to clean water,” beneficiaries said.
The irrigation scheme was officially commissioned on Thursday, with development partners reaffirming their commitment to climate resilience and rural development. British Embassy Head of Human Development and Inclusion, Mr Sam Thompson, described the project as a product of strong international cooperation.
“The commissioning of the Gororo Irrigation Scheme is a milestone that shows what can be achieved through partnership, shared vision and commitment. It reflects collaboration between the British Government and the Government and people of Zimbabwe in addressing climate change and improving lives,” he said.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Dr Ayodele Odusola, said the project was anchored on capacity building and enterprise development. He noted that 125 youths had received vocational training, 440 beneficiaries were trained in village savings and lending groups, and 292 farmers and entrepreneurs in Chivi district had received business and entrepreneurship training to support sustainable livelihoods.
From a technical perspective, the scheme combines solar and grid electricity to reduce operating costs for farmers. Director in the Department of Irrigation Development, Engineer Bezzel Chitsungo, said the hybrid system draws power from a 120-kilowatt solar plant and a 150-horsepower pump supplying both irrigation water and domestic use. He added that the project has also stimulated auxiliary developments such as road infrastructure.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, said the province is emerging as a leader in irrigation development, with 76 communal irrigation schemes covering 4 550 hectares and supporting more than 8 100 families.
“In drought-prone districts like Chivi, these schemes are lifelines. Gororo is not just about farming; it is about building a sustainable business hub and moving communities from subsistence to surplus,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi, said the project reflects the Second Republic’s inclusive development thrust.
“This is a practical project that benefits youths, persons with disabilities and the wider community, in line with the President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
With irrigation schemes and village business units expanding across rural areas, communities such as Gororo are increasingly becoming centres of sustainable agricultural production, contributing to national food security and local economic growth.
