Staff reporter
Chibuwe and Musikavanhu irrigation schemes, have received US$20 million from Government development partners for their rehabilitation. The development is expected to boost agricultural production in Chipinge.
This funding, primarily provided by USAID's Feed the Future program, has transformed the once dry and drought-stricken region into a vibrant greenbelt significantly improving agricultural productivity and farmers' livelihoods.
USAID Zimbabwe Mission Director, Janean Davies, reiterated the agency's commitment to supporting the Government’s irrigation development initiatives.
"I have come down here to appreciate the works on the ground, and I am impressed hearing the testimonies from the farmers on the impact of the project. As USAID, we remain committed to improving the lives of ordinary Zimbabweans through critical interventions like in the field of agriculture. We are faced with a drought, so it is our hope, resources permitting, to continue complementing Government efforts toward this cause," she said.
Chief of Party for Feed the Future, Kudakwashe Ndoro emphasized that the project has a comprehensive focus on improving mechanization and extension services while creating market linkages for the farmers.
"As Feed the Future, we implemented a funding of about US$20 million towards the two irrigation schemes where we brought advanced mechanization equipment and also focused on the agribusiness aspect of the schemes. We provided technical support and extension services and linked farmers to better markets. Of course, major works related to the revival of canals and improvements on water networks have been done," he explained.
Representative of the Chibuwe and Musikavanhu irrigation schemes, Caleb Masimbe expressed immense gratitude for the intervention, especially amid the challenges posed by the El-Nino-induced drought.
"With irrigation emerging as the most viable solution, the rehabilitation of these schemes has been a game-changer, with a total of 1,050 farmers where we mainly grow beans and other cash crops. The rehabilitation is now facilitating production while also generating income for farmers because we have been linked with the right markets for our produce," said Masimbe.
A scheme beneficiary, Luckmore Touya highlighted that Feed the Future initiative has not only provided funding but also introduced advanced small mechanization machines to ease the labor burden and offer technical support in crop production.
"Our pumps and canals were no longer working, so we were facing a huge challenge towards irrigating, but now everything has been resolved," said Touya.
Government aims to place 350,000 hectares under irrigation by 2025 through various initiatives, including the smallholder irrigation revitalisation programme.
The success of the Chibuwe and Musikavanhu irrigation schemes serves as a testament to the potential of collaborative efforts between the Government and development partners in achieving sustainable agricultural growth and food security.
