Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
GOVERNMENT’S Village Business Units (VBUs) initiative is gaining ground in drought-prone Chivi District, with 151 units now established to strengthen food security and promote rural economic growth.
At Mbaimbai Village in the Ngundu area of Chivi South, villagers recently gathered to witness the commissioning of a new VBU that will directly benefit 39 households.
The project enables year-round crop production in an area long characterised by erratic rainfall and water shortages.
“This project is life-changing for us as a community,” villagers said. “This area is known to be dry, and we used to struggle to access clean water for household use. For agricultural purposes, it was worse, hence we relied on the rains, which are usually erratic.
“This garden started being functional in June last year, and we are happy that this is our first crop, which is now ready for harvesting. We started with maize because it has been very difficult to grow. Now they are ready for harvest, while some are going to be sold as green mealies.”
Beyond crop production, the VBU is also improving access to clean water for domestic use and livestock, while opening opportunities for additional income-generating projects.
“Through this Village Business Unit, we can access clean water for household use, for our livestock, and we can start various projects that include poultry,” Councillor Jacob Magando said.
“We are looking forward to growing cash crops in this garden for sale, and we have a ready market at Ngundu Growth Point, hence it will not be difficult for us.”
Chivi District Head of Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services, Mr Brighton Hadzirabwi, said the programme has transformed agricultural productivity since its introduction in 2023.
“Since the coming in of Village Business Units in this area in 2023, we have witnessed a transformation here in Chivi. Communities are now able to produce various crops all year round. We now have 151 Village Business Units in Chivi established by the Government and its partners,” he said.
Area legislator Honourable Felix Maburutse commended the community for embracing the initiative, describing it as a practical model for grassroots empowerment.
“As a community, we want to thank the Government for prioritising the empowerment of rural communities. As you can see, this community has been empowered, and they are working as a team,” he said.
“I continue to encourage community members to take these Government programmes seriously as they are meant to uplift and empower them.”
As Government steps up efforts to drive rural industrialisation and expand irrigation development, Village Business Units are emerging as key instruments in promoting climate-smart agriculture, enhancing productivity and building sustainable rural livelihoods in drought-prone regions.
