In the heart of drought-prone Buhera, where survival has often meant enduring failed rains and barren fields, the Davhe Village Business Unit (VBU) has emerged as a beacon of hope.
Against all odds, the unit has yielded an impressive 10 tonnes of maize under the transformative Presidential Borehole Scheme (PBS).
The PBS, spearheaded by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, aims to revolutionize agriculture in Zimbabwe’s driest regions by providing consistent water supplies through boreholes.
Many Village Business Units have been established across the country, and Davhe’s success story is a testament to the initiative’s potential to combat food insecurity.
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At Davhe, the borehole has become more than just a water source—it is the lifeblood of an agricultural revolution. The VBU has adopted innovative farming techniques, including crop rotation, to maximize productivity. Maize, tomatoes, cabbages, and vegetables now flourish year-round in a region where such bounty was once unthinkable.
This year, the unit’s maize harvest marked a milestone: all 10 tonnes were sold to Prevail Group International (PGI) for a remarkable US$4,000.
PGI, a key partner in the PBS, facilitates market linkages and empowers farmers to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
PGI Chairperson Paul Tungwarara praised the program’s impact: “The PBS, spearheaded by President Mnangagwa, has changed the agricultural narrative for Buhera. Despite being in a drought-prone region, local communities are now producing surplus yields, improving food security, and transforming lives.”
The numbers tell a story of empowerment: over 86 small-scale farmers directly benefited from this year’s maize harvest. For many, the PBS has been life-changing.
Transforming Lives Through Agriculture
Maria Nyamunda, a mother of three, shared her journey from subsistence farming to financial independence. “Before this noble VBU initiative, we relied on inconsistent rains, and our crops often failed,” Nyamunda said.
“With the borehole and guidance from the VBU, I can now grow food throughout the year. I sold my share of the maize harvest and will use the money to send my children to school and buy groceries.”
For Tatenda Mhiripiri, another beneficiary, the initiative has been a gateway to empowerment. “This initiative has empowered women like me to be financially independent,” she said. “I no longer worry about feeding my family, and I even managed to start a small poultry project with the proceeds from our VBU earnings.”
A Model for National Growth
The success of Davhe’s VBU underscores PBS’s transformative potential. It offers a replicable model for drought-stricken communities nationwide, bridging the gap between adversity and opportunity.
As VBUs like Davhe continue to thrive, Zimbabwe moves closer to addressing food insecurity and poverty in its most vulnerable regions. For farmers in Buhera and beyond, the future is bright, illuminated by initiatives that turn arid land into fields of promise.
With continued support and innovation, the Presidential Borehole Scheme may well redefine Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape, proving that prosperity is possible even in the harshest conditions.
