Story by Courage Bushe

More than 400 families in Mataga area of Mberengwa are set to benefit from the resuscitation of the Chemakudo Irrigation scheme, which is expected to boost food security and household income in the drought-stricken area.

Recurring droughts have resulted in most rural communities moving away from rain-fed agriculture, with irrigation development identified as a key accelerator of food security.

To mitigate the effects of climate change and build resilience for vulnerable households in the province, the government is working flat out to resuscitate and modernise the Chemakudo Irrigation Scheme with rehabilitation works at an advanced stage.

A farmer in the area said, “We want to thank our government for giving us this type of equipment because once it’s functional we will play our roles in eradicating poverty.”

“Mberengwa is a drought-stricken area and having irrigation schemes like this one will help us to achieve a greenbelt,” noted another farmer.

Mberengwa District Agritex Supervisor, Mr Costa Ruvai highlighted that works at the irrigation scheme are expected to be complete before the next cropping season.

“As you can see the works are moving at the right pace and so far, we have installed one centre pivot and we are expecting two more after the Easter holiday. This will also help us to achieve government goals as noted in NDS1,” he said.

The local leadership concurred that the resuscitation of Chemakudo Irrigation Scheme is a game changer in ongoing efforts to stimulate household and national food security.

Mberengwa South legislator Honourable Tasara Hungwe said, “We are delighted with the works here because it’s our vision to make Mberengwa a breadbasket. This scheme will go a long way in improving and transforming the livelihoods of rural communities.”

Meanwhile, Mberengwa District Development Coordinator Vafias Hlabati weighed in saying, “This is a game changer for sure because everyone will now have a chance to add to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) through agriculture. Our government is walking the talk and I see a different Mberengwa in the coming few years.”

Irrigation schemes are fast developing in the district after the government intervened with the help of various development partners.