Zim VBUs turn drought-stricken villages into thriv...

Zim VBUs turn drought-stricken villages into thriving businesses

**Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Anxious Masuka**

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

In the wake of the devastating El Niño-induced drought, Zimbabwe is experiencing a surge of entrepreneurial spirit in its rural communities.

The government’s initiative, Village Business Units, is transforming parched landscapes into thriving agricultural ventures, empowering villagers, and fostering economic growth.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to officially hand over the first 50 of these 10 000 planned VBUs to their beneficiaries during the upcoming Independence Celebrations. The government believes that the project is a cornerstone of its plan to revitalise rural areas and empower its most vulnerable citizens, particularly women and youth.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Anxious Masuka, together with this publication, recently toured completed VBUs, including one in Buhera West Constituency. Villagers expressed their gratitude for the initiative.

“We should train our people to know that farming is a business,” Masuka said. “Agriculture can indeed empower and transform rural livelihoods.”

Villagers like Tanaka Muwani thanked the government for the initiative.

“On behalf of the villagers, I want to express our sincere gratitude to the government for these projects. The new water source and drip irrigation systems have made an incredible difference in our lives. Our people who never dreamed of owning a business, are now empowered to succeed. We are all excited to sell our produce in the next few months. This would not be possible without your support,” he said.

Youths like Makanaka Muronzi said: “These government initiatives are truly transformative for our community. The water source and irrigation systems are not just infrastructure, they’re tools for a brighter future. We’re seeing a newfound sense of hope and opportunity, with villagers like the youths starting their own businesses.”

Paul Tungwarara, a project implementer, is confident in achieving the target of 10 000 VBUs. “We’re on track to have 50 units operational by Independence Day,” he said. “Buhera is just the beginning. Works are ongoing in Gutu, Plumtree, Wedza, and many other districts.”

Tungwarara reiterated the government’s commitment to rural development, saying that the VBUs “are a testament to the Second Republic’s mission of leaving no one and no place behind”.

This initiative, according to authorities, coupled with an upcoming Investment Conference on Irrigation Financing, promises to not only address food security concerns but also create a ripple effect of economic empowerment throughout Zimbabwe’s rural communities.

The projects are also being implemented at a time when Zimbabwe’s drought has already been declared a national disaster. The President said the country needs more than US$2 billion in aid to feed millions facing hunger.