The ManicaPost
Blessing Rwizi: Post Correspondent
SOME 240 smallholder farmers in Gudyanga, Nhedziwa and Chayemiti areas in Chimanimani district are set to benefit from solar powered drip irrigation projects being spearheaded by World Vision.World Vision has set up two-hectares to benefit 80 farmers in each of the three schemes under the Area Development Program (ADP) – a 10 to 15 year integrated initiative to community development with emphasis to community participation, ownership and sustainability in addressing macro and micro causes of poverty to achieve the sustainable well being of children.
It is a phased approach to development, involving clear and consistent assessment, design, implementing, reporting, monitoring and evaluation and reflection phases.
Work at the Gudyanga, Nhedziwa and Chayemiti schemes started in October 2016 and should be complete by the end of November. Farmers are getting a 50 kg bag of sorghum and cooking oil per month in return for their labour.
A private company is helping in setting up the solar powered boreholes from which the farmers will draw water to irrigate crops like onions, tomatoes, carrots, maize, beans, peas, spinach and butternuts among others.
The produce is expected to boost their income and standard of living. World Vision Engineer, Mr Ability Charlie said drip irrigation is essential in mitigating the effects of climate change in the three areas.
“Considering the weather conditions and the drought that has hit these areas over the past years, drip irrigation systems are worth it. It enables farmers to be able to grow cash crops all year round, make money and get their livelihoods improved despite the high temperatures in their areas.
One of the major advantages of drip irrigation system is that it saves water and fertilizer as it allows water to drip slowly to the roots of the plants. Also there are low costs with solar boreholes as there is no need to pay for electricity. We are aiming to create more of these solar powered drip irrigation systems around Chimanimani, Chipinge and Buhera and improve livelihoods among villagers,” said Mr Charlie.
Drip irrigation is a form of irrigation that saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of many different plants, either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone, through a network of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters.
It is done through narrow tubes that deliver water directly to the base of the plant. It is chosen instead of surface irrigation for various reasons, often including concern about minimizing evaporation.
