Story by Gay Matambo
THE rollout of the Village Business Units (VBUs) initiative in Mutasa District is beginning to yield tangible economic benefits, with rural households recording improved food security and rising incomes from organised agricultural production.
At Nyakatsapa Village Business Unit, farmers have established a thriving potato crop that is already generating steady returns, with produce being sold at Watsomba Business Centre, one of the area’s key trading points.
Local farmers say the initiative has transformed their livelihoods, turning subsistence farming into a viable commercial activity.
“We want to thank President Emmerson Mnangagwa, for rolling out the VBUs. They have changed our lives for the better, which was something we never dreamt would happen.
“We started growing potatoes when this VBU was established and we are close to US$4 000. We sell the produce at Watsomba business centre, as you know, potatoes are on demand. Each pocket is going for US$10.
“As youths, we are truly grateful for this development that has come our way. We have no time to do drugs and other stuff; all we are focusing on is making money through the VBU,” farmers said.
Agricultural extension officers in the district say the programme is deliberately designed to promote farming as a business, with VBUs serving as learning hubs for farmers.
“These VBUs are agricultural hubs where farmers are learning a lot. We are equipping farmers with knowledge through these VBUs so that farmers are able to replicate these projects at their homesteads. We are business advisors and what we want, in line with the government’s deliberate efforts, is that rural communities should be industrialised come 2030.
“We want these rural communities to reach the upper middle status. This means farmers will now be able to grow cash crops and get money from farming,” Mutasa District Agritex Officer, Mrs Bessy Masvanhise said.
Government plans to establish 20 Village Business Units in Mutasa District, with seven already operational and delivering measurable benefits to surrounding communities.
