Chivi communities earn living from community gardens
Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
THE Presidential Rural Development Programme is bearing fruit in dry regions like Chivi where communities are earning a living from community gardens.
Mr Edward Mhungu is one of the 57 beneficiaries of the Budiriro garden in Chivi North’s Ward 9 established under the Presidential Rural Development Programme.
Mr Mhungu is excited that despite the predicted lean rainfall season they will harvest grain enough to feed his family and horticulture products for commercial purposes.
“We are grateful to the government for coming up with this initiative. It is our first season, however, we are so hopeful and excited looking forward to better yields,” he said.
Villagers have applauded the project which has been replicated in 12 wards of Chivi North saying it will alleviate poverty.
“We are happy as a community, as you are aware this area is usually dry, we used to struggle to get water to drink and more so for gardens. So, this project has empowered us so much,” said one of the villagers.
Another added, “Now we are looking forward to get some income for our children and improved nutrition.”
Area legislator Honourable Godfrey Mukungunugwa thanked the government for the support saying it will go a long way in empowering rural communities.
“The government led by President Emerson Mnangagwa has been very supportive of the Chivi community. This area is known to be dry and with community gardens, villagers will be able to grow various crops all year round,” he said.
The government is targeting to sink 35 000 boreholes in every village across the country and establish a community garden for commercial purposes under the Rural Development 8.0 model.
