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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected] 

AFTER more than three decades of anticipation, the Pikinini Jawanda Irrigation Scheme in Mwenezi District, Masvingo, is on the brink of commencing production. This development is part of the Second Republic’s ongoing efforts to revitalise agricultural infrastructure.

The Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, the Green Climate Fund and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has invested US$1,1 million into the project. 

The funding is part of the Building Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Africa programme and has been allocated for the establishment of the 156-hectare irrigation scheme.

The investment has facilitated the installation of essential irrigation infrastructure, including water pipes, pumps and two centre pivots covering 60 hectares.

Additionally, a sprinkler system has been set up to irrigate another 96 hectares, complemented by a 5-kilometre network of trenching and piping.

A floating pontoon now draws water from Manyuchi Dam, among other significant developments. These installations, which began last October, are augmented by solarised boreholes for community use.

To further support local farmers, an automatic weather station and rain gauge have been installed, providing vital climate and weather data to inform agricultural decision-making.

With the winter season approaching, the scheme is poised for wheat production. The irrigation scheme’s 300 members are actively preparing the land, with 80 percent already cleared for cultivation. 

Chizivano Shava, chairperson of the Pikinini Jawanda Irrigation Management Committee, expressed optimism during a recent site visit, noting the significant progress made in land preparation.

“Manyuchi Dam was built in 1985 and in 1987 an irrigation scheme was proposed. As a community, we realised that since we had this big dam we could use it to support agricultural projects which could help us to sustain our families. The project never kick-started as we didn’t have the funds.

“We were relieved when the Government and UNDP approached us last year intending to develop our irrigation. 

The works were done timeously and now we are conducting land clearance works in preparation for production. 

The farmers are excited and everyone has been hands-on and providing labour where it’s needed,” he said.

Fiona Chinyani, a member of the irrigation scheme, said the scheme will help to ensure that they have food on the table. 

She said they have received education on best farming practices which will help them to record improved production.

“When we commence our production we won’t be just operating as an irrigation scheme but as a business enterprise. 

We have waited for this project for a long time and we want to ensure that it’s successful and it ushers in the development and change that we have waited for,” she said.

Chief Jawanda said the irrigation scheme will bring much relief to the community as their area receives low rains making it difficult to practice dry land farming.

He said hunger and poverty will now become a thing of the past.

UNDP communication associate, Mr Anesu Freddy said the project seeks to address the effects of climate change.

“With the work we are doing here the main objective is to cushion the communities against the effect of climate change.

This project in particular which is being funded by the Green Climate Fund is focusing on the Southern parts of the country where rainfall is low.

“We seek to ensure that no one is left behind in terms of food and nutrition security. Working together with Government we have managed to put together a 156 irrigation scheme. 

Instead of the traditional irrigation schemes which have canals, we used climate-smart irrigation systems such as centre pivots which use up to 50 percent less water. 

In addition, we have trained the irrigation management committee so that they can sustain the scheme,” he said. 

The Masvingo Provincial Director of Irrigation Development, Rangarirai Mtusva, underscored the pivotal role of the Pikinini Jawanda Irrigation Scheme in the Government’s strategy to combat food and nutrition insecurity. 

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Government and its partners to revitalise dormant irrigation schemes and establish new ones, aligning with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 for sustainable development.

The Government has set an ambitious target to rehabilitate and develop 350 000 hectares of land by 2025. 

This large-scale project aims to fortify the nation against the adverse impacts of climate change and secure a stable food supply for its population.

The Building Climate Resilience of Vulnerable Agricultural Livelihoods in Southern Africa programme, which commenced in June 2020 and is set to continue until June 2027, represents a significant investment in the region’s agricultural future. 

Valued at US$47,8 million, the programme is operational across 14 districts within three provinces, including key areas in Matabeleland South such as Umzingwane, Mangwe, Insiza, Matobo, Gwanda, and Beitbridge. 

This comprehensive approach reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring long-term food security and resilience for its citizens.-@DubeMatutu