Story by Aifheli Mudau
SUGAR bean farmers at the Mzingwane Irrigation Scheme in Matabeleland South Province are improving food security and household incomes through increased production under a drip irrigation system.
The scheme, which draws water from the Mzingwane River, is enabling farmers to diversify production and sustain agricultural activities throughout the year, with sugar beans emerging as one of the key crops.
Beneficiaries say the irrigation project has transformed livelihoods and strengthened household food security.
“When the idea of farming through the irrigation Scheme was presented to me at first, I refused to be part of it, but I then gave it a second thought, and I am food secure, thanks to President Mnangagwa’s Vision,” a farmer said.
“These sugar beans are my second project. First, I planted maize, and as I speak, I have got maize at my home, and these sugar beans are coming as relish,” another farmer said.
Community members say the project is helping families meet their food requirements while creating opportunities to generate income from surplus produce.
“The coming of this Mzingwane irrigation Scheme in our area is really assisting us to be food secure,” a community member said.
“As elders, this irrigation Scheme is assisting us to find something to do because after harvesting, we sell some and keep the remainder for consumption,” another community member said.
Local leaders say the scheme has reduced dependence on food aid by improving agricultural productivity and self-sufficiency.
“During this time of the year, villagers will be starting to ask for food relief, but the coming of the irrigation has helped us a lot to be food secure as a community,” Acting Headman Mtetengwe, Mr Thinamano Mbedzi said.
Agricultural experts have attributed the success of the project to the adoption of drip irrigation and crop diversification.
“We are planting different crops in the irrigation scheme, but for now we have got sugarbean, and the crop is doing well under drip irrigation, something that has brought joy to the villagers,” Agricultural Business Advisor Officer, Ward 7, Miss Nester Humire said.
“As a government, we are encouraging farmers to irrigate cash crops because they increase household income and at the same time improve food security,” Agricultural Business Advisor Officer, Beitbridge District, Mr Orpheous Ndlovu said.
The expansion of sugar bean production comes as efforts continue to empower rural communities through irrigation development, with a focus on improving food self-sufficiency and creating sustainable income streams.
