Story by John Nhandara
SIX Village Business Units (VBUs) established in Ward 28 of Pfura District, Mashonaland Central Province, have become fully operational and are delivering tangible socio-economic benefits to local communities.
At the Chaminuka Vocational Training Centre VBU in Madziwa, more than 27 000 cabbage plants are ready for harvest, demonstrating the success of the model in supporting both the institution and nearby households.
Community members praised the initiative for improving access to fresh produce, clean water, and employment opportunities.
“As a community, we are benefiting a lot from this VBU. We are now accessing most of our produce here, as well as clean water to drink,” community member, Tandiwe Makumborenga said.
“We are looking into the community as well. Farming is a business, so I want to thank our leadership. We also employed a number of youths because we don’t want them to get into drug and substance abuse,” farm manager Patience Denga noted.
The business unit also comprises fish ponds.
“We have six village business units, which are all functional. We also have fish ponds in all these gardens,” Ward 28 Pfura RDC Mt Darwin Councillor, Gift Madziwa said.
Parliament is satisfied with how communities and institutions are utilising the business units.
“We want to thank ZINWA and Prevail, who are implementing this programme. Here, we are told there are 27 thousand plants of cabbage,” Legislator, Honourable Martin Matinyanya added.
“Our role is oversight, so what we have seen is a programme that is transforming the community,” Legislator, Honourable Isaac Chinodakufa said.
The VBU model, which includes both village and school units, has been widely credited for fostering local participation, sustainable livelihoods, and community ownership.
