Story by Providence Maraneli
THE World Food Programme (WFP) has pledged continued support for Zimbabwe’s Village Business Units (VBUs) to strengthen rural communities’ resilience against the effects of climate change.
The commitment comes as communities continue to benefit from drought mitigation initiatives introduced during the severe 2023/24 El Niño-induced drought.
In Gwanda South, the Garanyemba Drought Mitigation Centre has emerged as a model of resilience, helping communities withstand recurring droughts while improving livelihoods through horticultural production.
“We are happy with what the Government did for us. We survived the drought, and even if more droughts come, we are no longer panicking. We are growing horticultural crops, selling them, and improving our livelihoods,” said Garanyemba VBU Chairperson Mr Mlamuleli Moyo.
Matabeleland South Province has established more than 190 Village Business Units under the Government’s rural development programme.
Provincial Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Shupikai Sibanda said the initiative is transforming livelihoods in one of Zimbabwe’s most drought-prone provinces.
“Matabeleland South is prone to recurrent droughts, and we have witnessed significant progress through Village Business Units and drought mitigation centres. They are generating income and restoring dignity within communities,” he said.
The WFP has already established five Village Business Units in the province and plans to extend support to more communities to strengthen climate resilience.
WFP Deputy Country Director for Zimbabwe, Mr Billy Mwiinga urged communities to prepare for the anticipated 2026/27 El Niño season.
“Climate change is a reality, and we are expecting an El Niño this coming season. Its impact will vary from district to district, so we need to prepare ourselves. What we are seeing here in Garanyemba is an example of the kind of resilience we need to build. Strengthening resilience remains our priority,” he said.
Meanwhile, Government has urged farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, including Pfumvudza/Intwasa, irrigation development and ecological matching of crop varieties, as part of preparations for the anticipated El Niño conditions during the 2026/27 summer cropping season.
