Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
IMPLEMENTATION of Zimbabwe’s Agriculture, Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy is gathering pace in Mbire District, with 11 centre pivots installed at the Kanyemba Community Irrigation Scheme to boost food security in the drought-prone area.
The newly installed centre pivots will irrigate 176 hectares, bringing renewed hope to communities that have endured years of poor harvests due to recurring drought.
Traditional leaders and beneficiaries have welcomed the progress, calling for the speedy completion of the project.
Chief Chapoto said the irrigation scheme will transform food production in the area.
“There are 356 farmers in the project. If we move well, there will be no hunger because this project will feed the whole of Kanyemba.”
A resident, Murarakwa Dzvanga, urged communities to embrace the initiative.
“We must all benefit from this project. I am happy about it and hope the Government’s vision will materialise.”
Another beneficiary, Mathryn Chiponda, said the scheme offers hope after years of drought.
“I want to thank the President for establishing this irrigation project because we only heard of such projects in other districts. This is a dry area and we have not received adequate rainfall for the past four or five years.”
During a tour of the project, Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring the Implementation of Government Programmes, Dr Joram Gumbo, said the initiative demonstrates Government’s commitment to ensuring no community is left behind.
“We are happy to see that this area is going to be irrigated. His Excellency has a plan that no one must be left behind and every area must have enough food. This project will turn Kanyemba into a greenbelt.”
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, said the scheme will help the district withstand recurring droughts.
“This is a milestone for the area. These pivots are creating resilience against harsh temperatures. Going forward, I foresee Kanyemba becoming self-sufficient in food production.”
The irrigation scheme will be powered by a 1.1-megawatt solar plant, harnessing Kanyemba’s abundant sunshine to support sustainable agricultural production.
Once complete, the project will place 2 000 hectares under irrigation, strengthening food security while enhancing resilience to climate change.
