Chiredzi farmers embrace paprika as climate-smart ...

Chiredzi farmers embrace paprika as climate-smart cash crop

Zim Now Writer

Farmers at the Tshovani Irrigation Scheme are finding success with a new crop: paprika. This drought-resistant spice is proving to be a valuable tool for economic empowerment and climate change adaptation.

Over 10 hectares of the scheme have been dedicated to paprika production since last year. Farmers are praising the crop’s high returns, allowing them to not only earn a steady income but also improve their livelihoods. One farmer shared how their paprika harvest funded their grandchildren’s education, while another highlighted the financial independence gained from paprika sales.

Chiredzi’s erratic rainfall patterns, characteristic of climatic region five, make paprika a perfect fit. Unlike traditional crops like maize and beans, paprika thrives with less water and can be cultivated using rain-fed or irrigation methods. This adaptability makes it a crucial climate-smart solution for the region.

“Water challenges have been a constant struggle at the scheme,” says Ruwuyu, the scheme’s Agritex extension officer. “Climate change has reduced rainfall, so we needed a water-efficient cash crop. Paprika fit the bill perfectly. It has a ready market and is transforming the lives of our farmers.”

The success story doesn’t end there. The government, in collaboration with development partners, is establishing a paprika processing plant in the neighbouring Mwenezi District. This initiative, expected to be completed this year, will further boost the paprika industry by creating a local processing facility.