Wenslus Murape
Samuel Kadungure in RUSAPE
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere yesterday launched the Munhumutapa Empowerment Programme in Makoni district, which is an initiative spearheaded by President Mnangagwa to empower youths, women and veterans of the liberation struggle.
The programme, which aligns with the Vision 2030 goal of achieving an upper middle-income economy, aims to foster economic self-sufficiency, resilience and rural development. The launch took place at St Therese Primary School in Makoni West constituency.
On behalf of President Mnangagwa, Dr Muswere distributed seed maize, fertilisers, chemicals, 5 000 chicks and 10 000 fingerlings.
Further, Minister Muswere, who is also the Makoni West Member of Parliament, donated 200 chicks, 30 computers, a borehole and resources for the school’s business unit.
“The Munhumutapa Empowerment Programme is a significant initiative being spearheaded by President Mnangagwa to achieve Vision 2030 aspirations of an upper middle-income economy,” he said.
“It focuses on empowering youths, women and veterans of the struggle, with the ultimate goal of eradicating poverty by 2030.
“To achieve this vision, the President has provided essential resources to the youths, including seed maize, fertiliser, 5 000 chicks and 10 000 fingerlings.
“The first batch of 10 000 fingerlings is coming as we need to make sure our youths have fishponds first, and this support is designed to boost entrepreneurship and economic development in rural areas, where village business units (VBUs) are already playing a crucial role as V30 accelerators.”
Rural industrialisation and development, Minister Muswere added, were critical components of the Government’s broad plan to improve rural livelihoods and promote sustainable development.
“Agriculture 8.0 represents the integration of modern technologies, innovative practices and sustainable methods to transform the agriculture sector and create vibrant, inclusive and prosperous rural communities,” he said.
“We are promoting climate-resilient agriculture and innovative farming methods to increase food production and enhance food security, creating employment opportunities and increasing rural incomes.
“We need to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in our youths, providing training, mentorship and funding opportunities for start-ups and small businesses. We must improve food security and nutrition in rural areas.”
Minister Muswere said agro-ecological matching is a critical strategy for mitigating climate change and improving crop yields.
“Agro-ecological matching involves matching crops and agricultural practices to the local climate, soil and ecological conditions,” he added.
“This approach aims to optimise crop yields, reduce environmental degradation and promote sustainable agriculture.
“It helps farmers adapt to climate change by selecting crops and practices that are resilient to changing weather patterns, improving crop yields, quality and stability.
“This approach helps optimise water use by selecting crops that are adapted to the local water availability and using conservation agriculture practices that reduce water loss. Our forbears used to grow and eat traditional grains, which have better chances of survival.”
Minister Muswere also denounced gender-based violence, acknowledging its prevalence and detrimental effects on individuals and communities.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza said youth empowerment programmes are progressing well in the province.
“Youth empowerment in Manicaland has been quite impressive,” said Adv Mugadza.
“1 700 youths have received loans across all districts, empowering them to start or expand their businesses. Additionally, Government has launched the youth 10-hectare programme to enhance agricultural opportunities, as well as the Presidential Housing Scheme in Chipinge, aiming to provide affordable housing.”
He added: “Government has also invested in vocational training, with 250 youths ready to graduate from the programme in Manicaland equipped with the necessary skills to become economically independent.”
Online Reporter
