Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
GOVERNMENT-led empowerment programmes are promoting sustainability in rural communities, with the handover of the Green Light Agricultural Hub to beneficiaries in Mikoro village, Wedza District, among the latest developments.
The country’s empowerment drive is recording significant progress, with a partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe and South Korea transforming agricultural productivity and livelihoods since the establishment of the Green Light Agricultural Hub in Mikoro village of Wedza District.
From travelling three kilometres to fetch clean water to less than 500 metres, as well as starting a thriving agricultural venture, members of the Mikoro cooperative speak on the economic transformation in their area.
“This VBU was started in 2023, and we are 20 members. We have fish ponds, we grow vegetables, we have rabbits, chickens and goats. This initiative is helping us a lot because in our area we didn’t have a water supply. This project provided clean water, which has also improved agricultural productivity. We have onions we have planted together with carrots and cabbages ready for harvesting. We have also leaf vegetables,” a member said.
“This project has transformed our lives. Before the start of this project, most of our members didn’t have livestock and poultry, among other family necessities. We are also into animal rearing and poultry production within this project. We want that to be done by group members at their homesteads. After being given this water by the government being supported by the South Korean government, we are also assisting the elderly within the communities,” another member said.
“This cooperative was started in August 2023 following support to have enough water. We started the project, which is growing gradually. Our production is exciting us. We produced leaf vegetables and butternut that have produced huge incomes,” one of the members said.
The local authority is convinced Village Business Units are a critical step in promoting sustainability in rural areas.
“We want to thank support from Korean government for supporting the establishment of VBUs and for providing clean water. We are looking forward to the project to improve the sustainability of beneficiaries,” Wedza RDC council Chairperson Councillor Sheila Mugabe said.
The governments of Zimbabwe and South Korea concur that the project speaks to the success of twin gov.
“We are impressed by the horticulture project and the fish ponds. Each time I visit here, I see progress. I see farmers working hard and young people learning new skills and communities growing stronger. Although this is a closing ceremony of the Green Light project, it is the beginning of a new chapter here in Wedza. My country, Korea, strongly believes that sustainable development is achieved through partnerships. This project has supported the agriculture sector, strengthening livelihoods, created opportunities for young people and empowered the communities. Today we also hand over a vehicle to provide transport to extension workers,” South Korean Ambassador His Excellency Mr Park Jae Kyung said.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the meaningful partnership that has transformed the livelihoods across our district and beyond. Your Excellency, I am so elated because today’s event marks the culmination of the astute, able, and visionary leadership of our President, His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa who upon assuming office in 2018 was unequivocally clear that our foreign policy in Zimbabwe is, number one, that we are a friend to all and we are an enemy to none. We have seen relations that had soured in the past thawing.
“I want to sincerely thank you, Your Excellency, for having given the green light to the institutions that have been mentioned from the Republic of Korea to come and invest in the livelihoods of our people, as we have done. Your Excellency, I am aware that this project, implemented over the past three years from 2023 to 2025, reflects what can be achieved when international partners, government institutions and local communities work together in genuine collaboration.
“The green light project has not merely provided infrastructure. It has illuminated the pathway toward self-reliance, dignity and sustainable development, moving communities from vulnerability to empowerment. As we review the progress made to date, I am deeply encouraged by the tangible impact this project has delivered.” Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo said.
More than 34 000 people across the province and beyond have benefited from the projects supported by South Korea and its partners.
