The ManicaPost
Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
AT least five villages in Ward Nine of Chipinge who were badly affected by Cyclone Idai in 2019 will benefit from a macadamia nuts nursery project worth thousands of dollars.
The project which is being bankrolled by a local development partner, Smile Africa is aimed at empowering villagers to be self-reliant.
The villages which are set to benefit from the project include Siyekaya, Mugiyo, Mucha, Paidamoyo, and Ndiyadzo.
Each village will receive an average of 9 000 plants.
One plants is being sold at an average of US$3 and US$4.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere during the handover of the plants last week, Chipinge District Development Coordinator, Mr William Mashava, hailed Smile Africa for availing self-sustainable projects to Cyclone Idai survivors.
“Ward Nine was hardly hit by the cyclone in the district. After the cyclone, many partners came for emergency response to help the people. Now, we have partners such as Smile Africa who have come on board, and working with survivors to craft self-sustainable projects which will go a long way in empowering our people,” said Mr Mashava.
He added: “We are urging beneficiaries to take the project seriously because it belongs to them, and not the development partners.”
Speaking during the event, Smile Africa country director, Mr Abert Mavhunga said their organisation would continue supporting the project.
“We will engage potential markets for the nursery as well as working with organisation such as ZimTrade so that you may export your products. We hope locals will embrace the project as it has the potential to improve their livelihoods,” said Mr Mavhunga.
Macadamia Association of Zimbabwe representative, Mr James Maisiri said macadamia nuts production was one of the highest foreign currency earners in the country, and should be taken seriously.
Ward Nine councillor, Headmen Magona hailed the gesture, and said they would ensure the success of the project.
