By A Correspondent| In the parched landscapes of Buhera, where droughts have historically left fields barren and communities struggling for survival, a remarkable story of hope and resilience is unfolding. Davhe Village Business Unit (VBU) has achieved a milestone by harvesting 10 tonnes of maize, defying the harsh realities of their drought-prone region.
This achievement is largely credited to the transformative Presidential Borehole Scheme (PBS), an initiative championed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Designed to combat food insecurity in Zimbabwe’s driest regions, the PBS provides reliable water sources through boreholes, enabling farmers to engage in year-round agriculture.
The borehole installed in Davhe has become more than just a water source; it has turned the village into a hub of agricultural productivity. By embracing innovative practices such as crop rotation, the VBU has cultivated not only maize but also tomatoes, cabbages, and other vegetables—a sight once unimaginable in the arid region.
This year’s maize harvest was a resounding success, with the entire 10 tonnes sold to Prevail Group International (PGI) for an impressive US$4,000. The partnership with PGI, a key stakeholder in the PBS, has provided market linkages, enabling farmers to secure sustainable livelihoods.
Transforming Lives in Buhera
The benefits of the scheme extend beyond the fields. For many farmers, the PBS represents a lifeline. Maria Nyamunda, a mother of three, shared how the initiative has changed her life:
“Before this noble VBU initiative, we depended on erratic rains, and our crops would often fail. Now, with the borehole and guidance from the VBU, I can farm all year round. I sold my share of the maize and will use the money to pay school fees and provide for my family.”
Tatenda Mhiripiri, another beneficiary, echoed similar sentiments:
“This program has empowered women like me to achieve financial independence. I no longer worry about food security and have even started a small poultry business with the income I earned.”
A National Model for Growth
The success of Davhe’s VBU serves as a blueprint for addressing food insecurity across Zimbabwe. According to Paul Tungwarara, Chairperson of PGI, the scheme is reshaping agriculture in drought-stricken areas:
“The PBS has revolutionized farming in Buhera, proving that even in challenging environments, communities can produce surplus yields and improve their livelihoods.”
Over 86 small-scale farmers have directly benefited from this year’s harvest in Davhe, a testament to the potential of the PBS to uplift entire communities.
As Zimbabwe grapples with the challenges of climate change and food insecurity, the Presidential Borehole Scheme offers a sustainable solution. It transforms adversity into opportunity, ensuring that arid regions like Buhera can become hubs of agricultural prosperity.
For Davhe and similar communities, the future holds promise—a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, resilience, and support come together to turn barren fields into flourishing harvests.