by Ashley Kondo and Shongedzai Mugwagwa

Matabeleland South Province has heeded Government calls for the establishment of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) in order to promote value chains and beneficiation across the different sectors of the economy.

Willsgrove Farm which specialises in horticulture, near Esigodini, is one good example of a working PPP that has recorded great success in the drought-prone Province, among others, despite operating on a small piece of land.

The vibrant PPP, which incorporates Willsgrove, Drummond and Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) supplies Bulawayo with fresh farm vegetable produce and employs over 60 workers.

Production at the farm, which is aided by an irrigation facility, is thrilling and testimony that Government’s economic revival program is on the right path.

Willsgrove Farm Clerk, Peter Lavo, told the Harare Post that Government’s policy position to adopt PPPs was progressive.

“The PPPs policy has brought infrastructural development in the Province as well as employment opportunities for locals,” said Lavo.

“We have six boreholes that feed the irrigation. Combined together, the boreholes have a capacity to supply 50 00 litres of water per hour.

“The farm employs 61 workers from around the area,” said Lavo.      

The introduction of PPPs in Agriculture is expected to go a long way in promoting about efficient farming informed and driven by market demand as well as the growth of the sector.

In an interview with residents of Gwanda, they told the Harare Post that the Willsgroove project has brought better results for the community.

The horticulture project has a 7.5 hectares of tomato plantation, 2,5 hectares of cabbages, peas, carrots and pepper.

The Harare Post had a tour of the project and discovered that the farm was utilised. In a telephone interview with the area Agricultural specialist, he implored Government to venture into more partnerships like the Willsgroove to end poverty.

He said that ARDA should avail land to willing and capable farmers to utilisation of the land.