The ManicaPost
Farming Reporter
COMMUNITIES in Ward Five of Buhera are set to reap huge benefits from a tomato farming project being spearheaded by a development partner when they harvest the horticulture product this month.
The overall objective of the project – which is the brainchild of Community Water Alliance – is to enhance community livelihoods, with the elderly, people with disabilities, widows, child-headed families and survivors of gender-based violence being the main beneficiaries.
Community Water Alliance national coordinator Mr Hardlife Mudzingwa said the programme received funding from the French Embassy which they used to buy inputs and chemicals.
He said they are also working closely with Government departments, with Agritex officers providing technical support.
“We realised the need to come together as local communities and do projects to fend for ourselves and reduce dependency syndrome, especially among the vulnerable members of society like orphans, widows and the elderly. Right now we have 33 000 plants of tomatoes which are set to be harvested this month as we look forward to a very good yield that will improve livelihoods here in Ward Five.
“The association is grateful for the inputs and chemicals received from the French Embassy while the Government has also helped the project to take off through technical support from Agritex officers. Not only will this and other projects we are going to implement ensure self-sustenance, but can also improve food security and add nutritional value in our communities,” said Mr Mudzingwa.
He added that they will also link the small-scale farmers to local markets and others outside the district to sell their produce.
Mr Mudzingwa said Community Water Alliance is targeting to build climate resilient communities.
“In line with Government’s vision of transforming rural economies and capacitate them, we are promoting drip-irrigated agricultural activities so that small-scale farmers do not overly rely on rain-fed farming in the face of changing weather and rainfall patterns.
“To achieve that climate adaptation plan, as Community Water Alliance we are implementing programmes in three key focus points that are water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), environment and the climate. This tomato farming project falls under the latter pillar,” he said.
He added that other communities can replicate the project in their respective wards and make Buhera a food secure district with thriving community livelihoods.
