Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare in BUHERA
THE midday sun beat down mercilessly on the parched earth, baking the dreams of Gwebu villagers.
For generations, poverty had clung to this land like a stubborn weed, its tendrils choking hope and opportunity.
Drought, unpredictable rains and dwindling agricultural yields had painted a bleak picture for the future, exhibiting the true characteristics of agro-ecological Region 5.
Many had succumbed to despair, their spirits withered as the land itself.
Then, a lifeline appeared in the form of President Mnangagwa’s visionary village business units (VBUs).
Gwebu, a community teetering on the brink, was selected for a pilot project.
Scepticism mingled with cautious optimism as villagers watched tractors carve out a 1-hectare plot, transforming the barren landscape into a canvas of hope.
A solar-powered borehole — a marvel in this remote corner of the country — now hummed with life, pumping water through a drip irrigation system, nurturing life back into the thirsty soil.
“We were on the verge of despair,” recalls Mr Enock Garamwera, his eyes twinkling with newfound hope.
“The land, our lifeline, had betrayed us. Many families were struggling to put food on the table.
“But then came the VBU, a beacon of hope.”
Today, the once desolate landscape is a vibrant tapestry of green.
Lush maize stalks sway gently in the breeze, their leaves rustling like whispers of abundance.
Rows of glistening cucumbers, their vibrant green leaves contrasting with the deep red soil, promise a bountiful harvest.
The VBU’s productivity is evident in a thriving fishpond, home to a flourishing population of over 1 000 three-month-old fish.
“We received free fingerlings from the Government and through our savings, we have managed to buy feed to make sure we see the project through to its fruition.
“We intend to establish another pond and with the encouragement we are getting from experts.
“We are foreseeing this VBU being replicated in every household as we have gained enough experience in agribusiness,” said Mr Garamwera.
This impressive aquatic resource complements their bountiful vegetable garden, where over 6 000 healthy heads of cabbage are currently maturing.
“Whenever we replace dirty water from the fishpond, we pump the water to our vegetables, especially these cabbages, and this has proven to be beneficial since the water will be full of nutrients,” he said.
The air is alive with the sounds of productivity — the chatter of women tending to their plots, the laughter of children playing amongst the crops and the rhythmic drip of water nourishing the soil.
And then, on Thursday last week, came the moment of truth: the first harvest.
Four overflowing cartloads of plump, golden butternut were brought in, a manifestation of their hard work and the VBU’s success.
“It was a day of celebration,” recalls Mr Caiphas Mutava.
“The village erupted in cheers.
“We had proven to ourselves and to the world that we could overcome adversity and build a better future for our community.”
The produce is assured of a ready market in Chivhu and Murambinda.
“The Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) have already linked us to the supermarkets in Chivhu and Murambinda, where our produce is on demand.
“We have been assured that everything we produce will be paid for in time at any given time we deliver,” said Mr Mutava.
The impressive yield demonstrates the VBU’s capacity to generate sustainable food sources for the community.
But it is more than just an agricultural project; it is a social and economic revolution.
“Mai Chipo, who used to struggle to feed her family, now sells surplus butternut at the local market, earning enough to send her children to school,” explained Ms Fadzai Chadiwa, the VBU secretary.
“I once worked as a day labourer, but now with other members, we manage the VBU’s irrigation system, gaining valuable skills and providing for our families,” she said.
Additionally, a full-time security guard has been employed to safeguard the VBU during the night and is being paid by members.
The revitalised “Zunde raMambo”, the traditional food security initiative, which is co-housed with the VBU, now thrives with 25 plots dedicated to maize and sunflower cultivation, ensuring food security for the entire community.
While challenges like unpredictable weather and market fluctuations exist, the spirit of cooperation within the VBU remains strong.
Villagers share knowledge, resources and support, ensuring that everyone benefits from the collective success.
The VBU has not only transformed the Gwebu landscape; it has also transformed the social fabric of the community, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.
This spirit of resilience and community will undoubtedly guide them through any future challenges.
Gwebu is one of over 400 VBUs that have been established across the country, empowering communities, alleviating poverty and laying the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable future for all Zimbabweans.
The empowerment of communities through VBUs is a critical economic placement by Government to involv people in economic transformation through through rural industrialisation.
