The ManicaPost
Blessing Rwizi : Post Correspondent
SMALL-SCALE farmers in Buhera have started diversifying into crop production following the construction of two weir dams and irrigation schemes in wards 19 and 26 by World Vision.The two weir dams are located in Tarwira and Manyanga villages and are being used to irrigate two and half and four hectares irrigation schemes, respectively.
Tarwira has a carrying capacity of 20 000 cubic meters, while Manyanga carries 22 000 cubic meters.
World Vision also sunk wells and fenced the two irrigation schemes.
Work commenced in September last year following Risk and Vulnerability Capacity` Assessments.
Villagers in the area did the work, while World Vision provided non-food items and a monthly a remuneration of 50kg of sorghum per worker.
The two projects were finished early this year and 155 households were allocated land on the two irrigation schemes.
850 households in the two wards are also expected to indirectly benefit from the dams and irrigation schemes.
Animals have also been spared from covering long distances to Save River in search of water.
World Vision’s main aim is to improve food security of the vulnerable households through the creation of agricultural assets, address irrigation water challenges as well as boosting production and marketing of agricultural produce.
Farmers in Buhera relied most on animal husbandry since the area is characterised by low erratic rainfall that is aggravated by hot temperatures causing recurring food security to the community.
They depended on natural rains for crop production and no significant harvest can be realised even in years of pronounced good rains, since the area falls under the hot and dry region.
Now they are beginning to grow horticultural produce like onions, tomatoes, beans, butternuts and peas among others using the water readily available all year round.
Ward 19 Councillor and Buhera Rural District Council chairperson, Cllr Ngoni Musakanuka, said: “We were having a double challenge in Buhera as we had no dams for irrigation and to water our animals. Most people relied on animal husbandry because of high temperatures in our region. Unfortunately, we experienced a devastating drought last year, which had a toll effect on our animals.
“The remaining ones were in poor health and we failed to attract buyers. Now that we have dams and irrigation schemes, there is no need for our animals to cover long distances in search of water as some of them would go as far as Save River and die on their way.
“Farmers can also begin cash crop farming and change their livelihoods.”
Manicaland Provincial Administrator, Mr Fungai Mbetsa, hailed the unity among Buhera villagers that resulted in the successful completion of the two projects.
“These projects shall benefit generations to come and I want to thank you all for the team spirit that led to the completion of the dams and irrigation schemes. Now it is the time for a change of lives in Buhera. Let us share the little land we have so that we all benefit and change our livelihoods,” said Mr Mbetsa.
