Staff Reporter

Government’s community gardens initiative is having a profound impact, in the people of Chikomba West district.

The people of Chikomba West district are not only benefiting from communal agricultural projects but are also applying their skills to mitigate the effects of the El Niño-induced droughts.

 Under the Government’s Community Gardens Initiative, one of the flagship projects is the Wilderness Community Garden in Ward 6, Chikomba West, which caters to 150 families and employs 25 workers. This garden has become a shining example of how targeted Government support and skills transfer can uplift communities, enhance livelihoods, and enable farmers to apply new techniques in their own homes, thereby transforming subsistence farming into more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

Chikomba West Constituency Coordinator Raymond Chihwara  praised the impact of the project, noting that it has empowered local farmers with the skills and resources needed to transition from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.

“The community gardens have been instrumental in providing farmers with the necessary training and infrastructure to scale up their operations. This initiative is not just about growing food; it’s about growing businesses and creating sustainable incomes for our people,” Chihwara stated.

Clopus Chaire, the Chairperson of the Wilderness Community Garden project expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the initiative, which he said aligns with the President’s mantra of ‘leaving no one and no place behind’.

“This initiative is a tangible example of how Vision 2030 is being effectively implemented at the grassroots level, making a real difference in the lives of the local community, through irrigation we have been able to grow maize on our one-hectare plot, effectively curbing the impact of El Niño-induced drought. We are now able to produce enough not only for our consumption but also for sale, which is a significant step toward achieving food security and economic empowerment,” Chaire said.

Local Councilor, Joseph Madziire  pointed out that the skills acquired through the community garden initiatives are being applied by villagers in their personal gardens.

“The training we have received in organic farming and fisheries is being replicated in our own backyards, leading to healthier and more sustainable farming practices. This initiative is not just about the present; it’s about building a future where our community is self-reliant and thriving,” Madziire said.

Moreover, the Wilderness Community Garden stands as a testament to how Government-led initiatives can drive rural development and empower communities. By providing the tools, training, and infrastructure necessary for success, the Government’s community gardens initiative is helping to transform Chikomba West, from a region reliant on subsistence farming to one where commercial agriculture is a viable and profitable venture.