Source: Binga irrigation scheme transforms farming – herald
Ivan Zhakata in BINGA
SABA Irrigation Scheme in Binga’s Ward 13 has transformed farming and improved food security for dozens of households as communities move away from reliance on rain-fed agriculture in the drought-prone region.
The 20-hectare irrigation scheme, comprising 15 hectares under a centre pivot and five hectares under drip irrigation, was established in 2023 under the Climate Adaptation, Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP).
The project is being undertaken by the Government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with implementation support from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Organisation under a three-year programme aimed at supporting Zimbabwe in attaining its climate change goals.
Water for the scheme is drawn from the Zambezi River and the project currently benefits 64 families.
Chairperson of the scheme, Mr Luckson Muleya, said the irrigation project had brought a major shift in agricultural production in an area previously dependent on small grains.
“This establishment of the irrigation scheme is a miracle, as we used to rely on growing small grains only. Now we are growing maize, sugar beans and chilli.
“Our lives have improved as this is a dry area characterised by hunger. We work as a cooperative and all the income earned through this scheme belongs to the entire community,” he said.
Mr Muleya said challenges were mainly experienced during harvesting seasons when elephants invaded the fields.
He said UNDP has since erected an electric fence around the scheme to prevent such situations. Farmers also expressed satisfaction with the project.
Mrs Monica Mupambe said the availability of water has enabled continuous production of fresh crops.
“We now have plenty of water to grow crops any time of the year and this has improved lives in our community,” she said and appealed for the provision of farming tools to enhance productivity.
Another farmer, Mr Richard Munkuli said the irrigation scheme has transformed livelihoods in a region characterised by frequent dry spells.
“This irrigation project has changed our lives. Our children are now eating fresh and healthy food because of this scheme,” he said.
Ward 13 councillor Mr Boniface Munkombwe said the scheme has improved livelihoods in the area.
“The coming of this scheme has enabled farmers to grow crops continuously rather than waiting for the rainy season,” he said.
“This has improved the livelihoods of local villagers and we hope the scheme will expand to other areas so that every family in this ward can benefit.”
Chief Saba, Mr Charles Mudenda said the project has brought development and relief to the community.
“The coming of this irrigation scheme by Government through UNDP has greatly improved this community,” he said.
“We used to grow small grains only, but now we can grow maize, chilli and sugar beans. When this project was introduced, I accepted it because I knew it would bring development to my area.”
He appealed for the provision of basic farming tools and said farmers were currently hiring equipment from neighbouring areas which was delaying operations.
Agritex officer Mrs Tendayi Msasa said the scheme had positively impacted farmers, particularly women.
“In Saba village, people used to rely on small grains because of erratic rainfall, but through CAWEP, farmers can now plant different crops continuously,” she said.
“The scheme has mainly helped women, who previously survived by picking wild fruits, but can now spend their time productively in the gardens.”
CAWEP is part of the Government’s broader strategy to enhance climate resilience, food security and sustainable livelihoods in climate-vulnerable districts such as Binga.
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