Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE US$4.6 million gender-responsive economic development programme covering 12 districts is transforming lives in the Masvosva area of Makoni West constituency, thanks to the government and its development partner Gender Links.
Communities in Makoni West are benefiting from a horticulture support programme.
“We were facing acute shortages of tomatoes and horticultural products. The project has improved food security,” said a community member.
“This project has increased our income levels and we can now diversify our operations. We were not accessing products such as pepper in our village and the start of this project means we can now access products that were mainly a preserve of people living in urban areas,” added another.
The local leadership and project implementers are excited about the positive impact of the greenhouse project funded by the Swedish government and supported by the local legislator, Dr Jenfan Muswere.
“This programme is testimony that the strides being taken to achieve Vision 2030 are bearing fruit. The developments are creating industries in rural areas,” said Chief Makoni.
Makoni Rural District Council acting CEO, Engineer Admire Chidembo said, “The project is being expanded to ensure more people benefit.”
“The project seeks to promote gender mainstreaming and inclusive economic development programme. The project started in 2022 and ends in 2025. We target 1800 beneficiaries and job creation for 3600 people,” said Gender Links’ regional director, Priscilla Maposa.
The government commissioned the horticultural project in Makoni West this Wednesday as part of efforts to promote gender-inclusive economic development.
“We are constructing an airport and production of horticultural products will improve the province’s export capacity. These are some of the projects to eradicate hunger and reduce poverty. It is also part of efforts to ensure food security,” said Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza.
“I am grateful for the works by the government and Gender Links in eradicating poverty and promoting gender inclusivity. This programme is promoting sustainability in rural areas. The vision is to create a situation where women, youths and men have equal opportunities,” said the Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe.
50% of the beneficiaries are women with youths adding 30% while 20% of the recipients are men.
