As we join the nation in celebrating the 46th Provincial Independence celebration in Siakobvu, Nyaminyami District, the Mashonaland West Provincial Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanization and Water Resources Development, Mr. Caristo Nobert Masiwa toured the Siakobvu Village Business Unit (VBU) established to support rural livelihoods.
The visit that was conducted as part of ongoing monitoring and engagement efforts by the Ministry, brought together government officials, local authorities, Traditional Leaders, community members, and development partners including Fambidzanai Permaculture Centre (FPC) and DanChurch Aid (DCA), providing an opportunity to assess progress on the ground, interact with beneficiaries, and understand how the initiative is contributing to improved increased resilience and income generation.
As he toured the Siakobvu VBU, Mr. Masiwa observed various activities being implemented, including crop production and income-generating projects such as poultry production that are being led by the VBU members. The site reflected a practical approach to rural development as well as a proof of concept that can be replicated in communities to ensure improved livelihoods through structured support systems.
Speaking at the sidelines of the tour, the Provincial Director emphasized the importance of such Village Business Units (VBUs) in driving rural development, he noted that these units play a crucial role in strengthening community resilience, particularly in areas prone to economic and environmental challenges, thus by empowering local people with resources, knowledge, and infrastructure, VBUs help communities become more self-reliant and better prepared to withstand shocks.
“As Ministry, we want to appreciate what we have seen here, we understand the VBU is a proof of concept to the communities so that they can take it up as a model that can be replicated within their households, empowering them to become more self-reliant and resilient to these harsh climatic conditions,” he said.
Mashonaland West Provincial Agricultural Extension Officer Mrs. Evelyn Ndoro also highlighted that as we celebrate the emancipation of the country, we must also celebrate economic
“It is through initiatives like these that farmers are empowered with the capacity to produce, to earn, and to sustain their livelihoods. When our farmers are economically independent, they contribute directly to national development and food security, which are key pillars of our sovereignty,” said Mrs. Ndoro.
Sarudzai Raimu the Siakobvu VBU Treasure expressed her gratitude towards Government Departments and Development partners highlighting how the VBU has brought tangible improvements to their livelihoods.
“Through this VBU, we have gained access to resources, knowledge, and opportunities that we did not have before, our production has improved, and we are now able to generate income and support our families.” Said Raimu.
She also added that farmers are already benefiting economically, having earned income from pawpaw sales, while tomato production is now at an advanced stage with harvests expected soon. Some farmers are anticipating up to five buckets of tomatoes each, which is expected to further boost household incomes and food security.
The project is supported with funding from the European Union and the Government of Ireland, led, managed and coordinated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), technically supported by FAO in natural resource management and agriculture, strengthened by the Resilience Knowledge Hub (MERCYCorps) through evidence generation and a catalytic role. The project is being implemented in the Mid Zambezi by Ushingi Consortium led by DanChurchAid.
