Staff Reporter
Women in rural Zimbabwe are reaping the benefits of agroecological gardens, an initiative supported by the government and development partners to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture. One of the successful projects is located in Mutoko, where Government, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Women Bureau and Oak Foundation, has established a thriving four-hectare garden for women from the Chiutsi area.
The garden, which supports 36 women from four villages, is equipped with modern agricultural tools, including two solar-powered boreholes, a drip irrigation system, and a 9,000-litre water reservoir. These features enable the women to cultivate crops such as maize, vegetables, and sugar beans, some of which are set to be harvested soon.
In an interview with this publication, Minister of Women Affairs, Small, Medium, Enterprises and Community Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, highlighted the importance of such projects during a recent event marking Rural Women’s Day.
“This is Vision 2030 at play. We are committed to improving the lives of our rural women, and today we are celebrating this milestone achievement,” she said.
Director of the Oak Foundation Mr Clayton Zezo emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable results, particularly in rural communities.
“We are proud to have partnered with the women of Mutoko for this project, which has already shown tremendous potential. The project not only empowers rural women economically but also promotes sustainable farming practices that are environmentally friendly. This initiative is a testament to the power of agroecology in fostering food security and resilience in rural areas,” he stated.
Project Coordinator for the Zimbabwe Women Bureau, Howard Tavengwa, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Rural women need to be supported, and this is one of the ways we can do that through sustainable projects. We are quite excited about how the crops are growing.”
Projects chairperson, Rosemary Chiripanyanga highlighted that in a region often affected by dry weather and the harsh impacts of climate change, this initiative has been a game-changer.
“This place is very dry, so we have not been spared the effects of climate change. However, with such a project, I think our lives have been transformed as we can now look after ourselves,” said Chiripanyanga.
For many participants, the garden has not only provided a means to ensure food security but also an opportunity to generate income.
“This project is set to improve our household food security and household income, as we are going to sell our crops while also producing for our consumption,” added Haazvineyi Chibanda, a beneficiary of the project.
The agroecological gardens initiative is a testament to how sustainable agricultural practices can uplift rural communities, providing women with the tools they need to thrive despite environmental challenges. With continued support and investment, such projects can drive long-term economic growth and food security across Zimbabwe’s rural areas.
