Story by Aifheli Mudau
VILLAGE Business Units (VBUs) being rolled out across the country by the Second Republic are transforming rural communities, with Tshamalime VBU in Beitbridge District emerging as a shining example of how localised agricultural initiatives can enhance food security and improve livelihoods.
The Tshamalime Village Business Unit, where villagers are producing potatoes, vegetables and maize, is serving as a community-based strategy to address food insecurity while creating income-generating opportunities.
Youth farmer Mr Give Ndou said the project has provided him with an opportunity to engage in crop production and improve his livelihood.
“As a youth farmer in this garden, I am benefiting through farming different crops that include maize and vegetables, while some of the farmers are now into potato production,” he said.
Ms Martha Chauke said the project has improved household food security among women while creating opportunities to generate income from surplus produce.
“As women, we are now food secure in our homes, and the surplus that we get we sell so that we can pay fees and buy books for our children,” she said.
Mr Isaiah Ngwenya said farmers were now shifting focus towards commercial production after recording significant maize harvests.
“Last year, as farmers in this garden, we got 45 to 50 bags of maize and we channelled them all towards consumption. This time, we want to sell everything so that we can generate income,” he said.
Beyond improving food security and promoting economic independence, Village Business Units are also providing safe spaces for women to engage, share experiences and support one another.
District Empowerment Officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Mr Vusumuzi Siduli, said VBUs were contributing to stronger and healthier communities.
“These VBUs, besides providing enough food for communities, also serve as safe spaces for women because this is where they meet and share their challenges and successes, leaving the community a healthy one,” he said.
Beitbridge District Agricultural Business Advisory Officer Mr Orpheous Ndlovu said VBUs were helping communities produce both food and cash crops throughout the year.
“These are cash crops that help the community to get enough food and money for other household needs. You will realise that villagers are producing fresh products all year round,” he said.
Beitbridge District has more than 40 Village Business Units, which are providing a reliable safety net for communities facing prolonged drought conditions.
The Tshamalime Village Business Unit is part of the 35 000 VBUs that the Second Republic is targeting to establish across the country as part of efforts to strengthen rural industrialisation and food security.
