Pawpaw production has never been a common practice, especially in climate-change-challenged areas, however, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) funded Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund II (ZRBF II), 25 dedicated farmers at the Siakobvu CLIC have identified Pawpaw production as an opportunity to transform their livelihoods and through collective efforts, they planted 80 Pawpaw trees and are now preparing for their first harvest, with expectations of between $20 – $25 per tree, a promising step towards sustainable income and continued expansion.
Encouraged by the promising income potential, the farmers have already expanded the initiative by planting an additional 120 Pawpaw trees within the CLIC. Their commitment to growth is further demonstrated by digging 300 more planting holes, showing their determination to scale up production and build a sustainable source of income for their households and the wider community.
Speaking during the recent UNDP Resident Representative’s visit to the CLIC, Stephen Gunguya, the CLIC secretary, highlighted the transformative impact that the pawpaw project is expected to give the CLIC’s beneficiaries.
“Pawpaw production has given us hope and it has shown that even in challenging climatic conditions, we can grow such fruits that provide income, improve livelihoods, and inspire us to keep expanding our efforts,” said Gunguya.
Ward 7 Agricultural Business Advisory Officer (ABAO) Mr. Benjamin Kanyelele praised the initiative, noting its potential to boost both individual and community livelihoods.
“The pawpaw project is a great example of climate-smart agriculture, the income generated from the harvest will indeed benefit the CLIC members directly and will also contribute to the wider community through increased economic activity and local trade as this project has the potential to be a model for sustainable farming to be replicated even in other Wards,” said Kanyelele.
The pawpaw project at Siakobvu CLIC validates how innovation, resilience, and collective effort can create opportunities even in challenging conditions, with continued expansion, the Pawpaw initiative promises to bring sustainability while providing steady income for farmers at the CLIC.
