The Zimbabwean government has embarked on an ambitious initiative to combat the growing threat of climate change in Gokwe North and other drought-prone districts by establishing agro-village business units. These units aim to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and build climate resilience among rural communities, particularly in arid regions that are increasingly feeling the impact of global warming.
According to Busiso Olga Mavankeni, the Provincial Director for the Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services in the Midlands province, the agro-village business units are part of a broader, community-driven climate action strategy that integrates sustainable agriculture with localized economic development. These units are being implemented in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that support climate-smart agriculture across the country.
The government’s efforts come in the wake of a recent investigation by Truth Diggers, which revealed that horticulture farmers in Gokwe North have drastically reduced the production of key crops such as tomatoes, largely due to the shifting climate patterns and increased frequency of droughts.
Mavankeni explained that the agro-village units are designed to offer low-cost, practical solutions for climate-smart agriculture. For example, in Madzivazvido, Ward 28, two business units have already been established, supported by the installation of solar-powered boreholes to supply water for upcoming drip irrigation systems. These projects are expected to allow communities to grow essential horticultural crops such as tomatoes and leafy vegetables throughout the year.
“These village business units are essential for nutrition security, food availability, income generation, and livestock feed,” said Mavankeni. “Given the arid nature of Gokwe North, having a consistent and reliable water supply dramatically improves farmers’ chances of successful harvests.”
She added that the guaranteed water supply not only supports crop production but also benefits livestock, making the entire village economy more resilient.
Government Rolls Out Agro-Village Business Units to Combat Climate Crisis in Gokwe North
To complement the agro-village projects, Mavankeni urged farmers to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices such as the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, which was launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development. The programme encourages smallholder farmers to embrace conservation farming techniques including minimum soil disturbance, mulching, and crop rotation—methods that help preserve moisture and improve yields even under erratic rainfall conditions.
“Farmers must adopt water-efficient irrigation techniques like drip irrigation,” she noted. “But our biggest challenge remains the lack of adequate water bodies in Gokwe North.”
Currently, the only functioning irrigation scheme in the district is the six-hectare Vambe Irrigation Scheme. However, long-term plans are in place to construct the Kudu Munyati Dam, which would eventually support a 5,000-hectare irrigation scheme and significantly boost agricultural production in the region.
To address the growing threat of pests, which has been exacerbated by climate change, the government has introduced early warning systems managed through extension officers. The Agricultural Research Innovation and Specialist Services (ARISS) department is supplying farmers with pheromone traps to monitor pests such as Tuta absoluta, a destructive tomato pest. Farmers are also being urged to use certified seedlings and report infestations early.
“The government has also introduced modern pest control technologies, including drone surveillance and motorised sprayers, to target quelea birds that threaten grain crops,” Mavankeni added.
Additionally, she encouraged farmers in dry areas like Gokwe North to diversify their crops by focusing on traditional grains and legumes. Crops such as sorghum, pearl millet, rapoko, cowpeas, groundnuts, Bambara nuts, and sunflowers are better suited to thrive in semi-arid conditions.
Climate and natural resource expert Obriel Nhachi highlighted the importance of community leadership in climate adaptation efforts. He argued that while government support is vital, sustainable change often starts at the grassroots level.
“Real transformation happens when farmers see tangible results in their communities,” said Nhachi. “If one farmer sees their neighbour’s kitchen garden surviving a drought while their own maize fails, they’re more likely to adopt new practices. It’s a form of practical learning that policy documents alone can’t achieve.”
Nhachi urged the government to play a facilitative role by ensuring that farmers have access to extension services, market infrastructure, and timely weather updates.
“The climate crisis demands urgent, hands-on innovation, not just top-down policy pronouncements from Harare,” he emphasized.
Source- Newsday
