Story by Aifheli Mudau
SOLAR-POWERED Village Business Units (VBUs) established by the Second Republic are transforming rural livelihoods in Beitbridge, promoting agribusiness growth and enhancing food security.
In Shashe’s Tshimimile area, the Number 15 solar-powered Village Business Unit has turned previously underutilised land into productive greenbelts, improving household incomes and resilience in the drought-prone district.
Villagers say the initiative has brought relief from food shortages and challenges posed by wildlife.
“Our fields are too far from our homes and we face elephant problems, but now these VBUs are located within the community where elephants are not coming,” villagers said.
“We are now able to till the land with confidence and get enough food because we have reliable water. There is no more hunger in our families because we can produce all year round.”
The use of solar energy to power boreholes and drip irrigation systems has ensured consistent water supply, a critical factor in a region characterised by low rainfall.
Village Head Miss Evah Nyathi said the project has reshaped perceptions about farming.
“The coming of this Village Business Unit has taught us that farming can be a good business because since we started working on this land, we are now able to get food and money,” she said.
Tshimimile VBU Chairperson Miss Jane Ndou highlighted the role of agricultural extension officers in strengthening productivity.
“This drip irrigation is really saving water for this dry region and the AGRITEX officers are helping villagers to have enough maize for consumption and for sale,” she said.
The programme falls under the Government’s National Development Strategy Two (NDS2), which prioritises rural industrialisation, food self-sufficiency and income generation through horticulture, fisheries and other agricultural value chains.
Authorities say the solar-powered VBUs are part of a broader multi-pronged strategy to revitalise rural economies, ensuring communities generate sustainable livelihoods while contributing to national food security.
