CommuTalk Reporter
ZHOMBE: Amid government efforts to limit operations of non-governmental operations through the proposed Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) bill, an international funding partner, International Fund For Agricultural Development (IFAD) recently committed USD106 million towards agriculture revival efforts in the country.
Mayorca irrigation scheme in Zhombe is one such project that has started benefiting from the program after the financial institution injected USD900 000 towards the resuscitation of the scheme under the small-holder irrigation revitalization program.
The 76 hectares irrigation scheme became operational this year after the funds were used towards the reconstruction of a dam wall and the procurement of a floating irrigation pump station.
The financial institution says it has more projects lined up for the country as it seeks to partner government in poverty eradication in communities.
“We had to come back to Zimbabwe after your government managed to pay back the loans that we were being owed. We already have USD51.6 million that is running under the smallholder Irrigation Revitalization program.
“We have set aside 67,8 million dollars for projects that are running in five different provinces. We have also set up 38 million dollars for horticulture and we are still finalizing the finer details,” said IFAD Country Director, Jaana Keitaanranta.
Some of the beneficiaries of the scheme say they are looking forward to changing of fortunes following the resuscitation of the scheme.
“This place is relatively in a dry region. As you can see, most crops in the fields are experiencing moisture stress. Our hope is now with the irrigated crops,” said Kumbirai Dzoro.
“We are very happy that our scheme is now up and running. It’s been years since we used our water for irrigation purposes. It’s a life-changing experience.
“We are looking forward to selling our products locally and even exporting as we intend to also generate foreign currency. We are now living with hope as you can testify that our crop is doing well,” added Nyarai Vhondo.
The Mayorca irrigation scheme which had stopped operations in 2007 after the dam-wall had been washed away while some thieves had vandalized the electricity lines, is set to get operational once again through the aid provided for by IFAD in partnership with the government.
