The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
A TOTAL of 200 smallholder farmers in Makoni District have received a major boost following the recent launch of the US$144 000 community gardens and fisheries projects aimed at helping people living with HIV and tuberculosis by a local development partner.
The project to be implemented in wards 12 and 16 will see Development Aid from People to People (DAPP) setting up solar powered boreholes, drip irrigation system and water tanks as well as constructing fish ponds at the gardens.
The project is being implemented in partnership with the ministries of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and Health and Child Care and communities.
Major supermarkets and restaurants have been roped in to guarantee markets for the various outputs produced by the farmers.
Seed houses are also part of the project to make sure that the farmers grow certified seeds for better yields.
Speaking at the inception meeting of the project, DAPP Zimbabwe country director, Mr Luckson Soda, said the project is aimed at reducing the burden of climate change and build resilience among HIV and TB patients.
“This project will tackle adoption of climate smart agricultural techniques, environmentally sustainable farming, diversifying income sources for the farmers, accessing local and regional markets and capacity building of the 200 smallholder farmers and their families.
“This will be achieved through asset creation of gardens, installation of solar powered borehole and drip irrigation technology and the small livestock production.
“The project’s attempts of helping communities adapt to climate change and economic shocks are mirrored in Zimbabwe’s broad planning frameworks such as Vision 2030, National Development Strategy (NDS1) and the Low Emissions Development Strategy,” said Mr Soda.
Agriseeds marketing director and ARDA board chairman, Mr Irvine Craig, said smallholder farming is key in achieving food and nutrient security, hence the need for partnerships in supporting peasant farmers for them to migrate to commercial farming.
“No-one should be left behind or discriminated on the basis of their health status. Every citizen must participate in economic activities and generate income to sustain them. Small-holder farmers must be supported by both Government and the private sector,” he said.
