Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
VILLAGERS in Chivi South are experiencing improved food security and higher household incomes following the commissioning of the Tadzidza Village Business Unit (VBU), a project that has enabled year-round crop production in one of the country’s driest regions.
The initiative, part of the Second Republic’s rural industrialisation programme, is transforming communities traditionally dependent on food aid due to erratic rainfall and limited irrigation infrastructure.
“This area used to be very dry, and we would receive assistance from the government every season in the form of food aid. However, the establishment of this Village Business Unit has changed our lives. Now we are growing crops all year round.
Last season we produced tomatoes and supplied the whole area,” said villager, Ms Martha Mutoorera.
Another beneficiary, Ms Chiedza Chikungure, said the project has eased financial pressure on families: “With this development, we are now able to send our children to school and have enough food for our families. We thank the government for this progress.”
Tadzidza VBU Chairperson, Mrs Emma Chipetu, said the project is supporting nearly 60 beneficiaries, including women and youth, with irrigated crops thriving and plans underway to diversify into high-value produce.
“In this project we have 57 beneficiaries, including women, youth, and other vulnerable groups. We work as a team and are looking forward to growing crops all year round, including cash crops,” she explained.
Women’s Quota Member of Parliament for Chivi, Honourable Faith Makaza, said the VBU model is enhancing women’s economic empowerment: “Through these Village Business Units, we have witnessed empowerment, especially for women who bear the bulk of family responsibilities. Our women are now involved in Mukando projects and diversifying into poultry, and that is what we call empowerment.”
Chivi South legislator, Honourable Felix Maburutse, noted that more than 50 VBUs have been established in the constituency, turning a once-arid region into a productive agricultural zone.
“Here in Chivi South, we now have more than 50 Village Business Units, and they have transformed this area once known to be dry. We thank our President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, and his administration for prioritising rural industrialisation. We are on course to achieving Vision 2030. The onus is now on our communities to take part in these development programmes and work hard to improve their livelihoods,” he said.
The Village Business Unit concept is expected to stimulate economic activity, strengthen resilience against climate shocks, and drive sustainable development across rural communities.
