The ManicaPost
Tendai Gukutikwa and Lovemore Kadzura
Small-scale farmers in Makoni District are pooling resources to set up solar powered boreholes at their plots in an endeavor to commercialise their operations and fight climate change.
Most small-scale farmers resettled soon after independence as well as beneficiaries of the land reform programme are struggling to commercialise their ventures as they are still relying on rainfall wholly.
Farmers under the Headlands Small-Scale Farmers Association (HSSFA) have since engaged drilling firms to set up boreholes for them and are already reaping the fruits of their sweat.
President of the association, Mr Innocent Magutakuona said farmers who used to buy tobacco seedlings from established farmers managed to set up their own seedbeds, thanks to the availability of water.
“So far we have drilled 170 boreholes for small-scale farmers in and around Makoni District and more will be drilled as we progress. As farmers, we are harnessing our own resources and hire drilling rigs from private players. We have embraced farmers from nearby districts such as Mutoko, Murehwa and Nyanga.
“We are doing this under the self-financing model whereby we engage drilling companies and we pay through installments. The farmers pay after selling their produce. The boreholes have the capacity to irrigate up to five hectares,” he said.
Mr Magutakuona added: “Most small-scale farmers were resettled a distance from dams and those close to water bodies lack capacity to harness water to irrigate their fields, so these boreholes are the right prescription for the farmers’ challenges.
Farmers are now farming all year round, growing different types of cash crops as opposed to waiting for the rains.
A beneficiary of the programme, Mr Ayidi Saidi of Vaalloap Farm in Headlands said due to the availability of water, he is now diversifying into fish farming and has since set up a fish pond with the capacity of holding 6 000 fish.
“Water has been our main challenge since we were settled here. We relied on rainfall water, but things have now changed. I have just finished constructing a fish pond that can hold up to 6 000 fish, all because of the borehole. I am also venturing into horticulture as there is a ready market in Headlands, Rusape and Marondera,” said Mr Saidi.
Meanwhile, Cyclone Idai Idai victims in Ndapetwa area of Chimanimani are set to benefit from the establishment of a community garden and a solar-powered borehole that will be drilled by a local development partner.
Implemented by Hope For Kids, the borehole donation is worth US$5 000.
The borehole is being drilled at Ndapetwa Primary School, which is a central point for most villagers as the school serves at least five villages.
In an interview, Ndapetwa Primary School deputy head, Mr Davis Muusha said the borehole will go a long way in availing clean and safe drinking water for learners at the school as well as villagers.
He thanked the development partner for standing with the people of Chimanimani and assisting their families to lead healthier and more resilient lives.
He said the school will benefit from income generating projects that will come with the installation of the solar-powered borehole as well as the community garden which will be run by the school.
“Ultimately, the school will contribute to the country’s food chain, starting at community level by implementing agronomic practices and techniques which are effective in building resilience against climate change. We want to turn the community garden into an income generating project for the school and the community at large,” he said.
“The school will grow vegetables and gain on both ends as its learners will get a balanced diet from the vegetables as well as income from selling the produce,” he said.
Mr Muusha said it is pleasing to note that they are finally getting recognition and assistance as they were also affected by the devastating March 2019 Cyclone Idai which destroyed part of their school and farm land.
Ndapeta villager, Ms Felistas Mangere said the borehole will increase access to food for the locals.
“Vulnerable children and people living with disabilities will also benefit from this programme and that is commendable. This borehole and nutritional garden will be a game changer for the hard-working villagers here,” she said.
Hope for Kids director, Mr Misheck Mlambo said the donation seeks to enhance food security, nutrition and incomes of the targeted households, while providing safe water for the learners at Ndapetwa Primary School.
“As Hope For Kids, we are grateful of the cordial relationship that we have with Government as it allows us to assist children in needy areas across the country.
“We are expecting to complete this project by the end of September and the borehole will be solar-powered. The whole project will help in ensuring good nutrition within the family set-up,” said Mr Mlambo.
