Villagers to benefit from $150k horticulture project

THE economic well-being of 1 000 villagers in Masvosva communal lands, Makoni, is set for transformation through a local project worth US$150 000.

The Masvosva Greenhouse and Grading Shed Project being spearheaded by Government and Gender Links Zimbabwe, in partnership with Makoni Rural District Council and locals, will see peasant farmers venturing into commercial horticulture prodution.

The project will have 150 members and 950 indirect beneficiaries.

Farmers will have access to a greenhouse, a grading shed and a solar powered irrigation system.

In order to curb the post harvest losses that are usually experienced by small-scale farmers, the project, which will run 100 percent on solar, also has a state-of-the-art cold room to keep produce fresh.

The project will address the multiple challenges being faced by the rural community through employment creation, as well as elimination of gender based violence and drug abuse. Fifty percent of the beneficiaries are women, while youths and men constitute 30 and 20 percent respectively. With the project being finalised, villagers have fully embraced it.

They have already planted 4 500 heads of cabbages and 2 000 tomato plants. The farmers are irrigating the land using a drip system.

Makoni Rural District Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Pius Mushaya said the project has the potential to change the face of the community as it has several social and economic benefits.

“The Masvosva Project is a game changer for the local community and the district at large. Gender Links is funding the project, while the local authority provided the land, constructed a pump house and seconded staff to manage the project. Government has provided agricultural extension officers for the scheme.

“Council, working with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, will help the community to come up with a constitution to govern their business and train them in book keeping and records management for the project to be sustainable once the funder leaves,” said Mr Mushaya.

He added: “There is a lucrative market for horticulture produce at local vegetable markets, boarding schools, hospitals, restaurants and supermarkets.

“We are in the process of linking the project with potential clients. Customers can also enter into contracts with clients to grow specific crops for them.”

Gender Links regional manager, Mrs Priscilla Maposa said her organisation poured in US$150 000 in the project that is expected to improve the community’s living standards.

“The programme supports local economic development. These were selected after submitting competitive business proposals. Gender Links is working with 92 local authorities to implement various developmental programmes across the country. Makoni was selected for their innovative idea in horticulture.

“Through the project, beneficiaries will get income from the business, while Makoni RDC will benefit through increased economic growth in the district,” said Mrs Maposa. The scheme’s chairperson, Mrs Josephine Maguramhinga said the project will uplift the lives of community members, especially the vulnerable ones.

“This project is the first of its kind in this area. It will improve our lifestyles as we will have disposable income all year round from the farming activities that will be taking place here. Due to the availability of fresh produce, we will have nutrient security, which is recommended at local clinics, especially for our babies.

“We have encouraged members to set up their own gardens at their homesteads so that they can also implement what they learn here. The project has been well received by the community, and every member is committed to its success,” said Mr Maguramhinga.