Rotary-World Vision project to increase Chimanimani agricultural production

BY STEVE EPHRAEM

DRIVING towards Nhedziwa using the Wengezi-Chimanimani Highway is an earth road turn-off just after Munyanyazi River between Biriiri (Muwuyu) and Bumba. Trailing in the dusty road leads one to Shinja that boasts of some few shops, a secondary school, a primary school and an irrigation scheme. It is this irrigation scheme that is the centre of our attention.

The irrigation scheme was initially established with funding from World Vision and benefited just above 30 farmers.

Enter Rotary-World Vison Partners of Environment Project on Ecosystem Services which the two organisation funded on 1:1 basis. World Vision as the implementing partner, chose to rehabilitate two Chimanimani irrigation schemes, one at Shinja (ward 9) and another at Gudyanga (ward 20). Both projects fall under hot, dry and drought prone areas of Chimanimani West.

On August 22, 2024 Rotary and World Vision descended onto Chimanimani to hold inception meetings for the two irrigation schemes. From the Rotary side, the project funds are being managed by Rotary Club of Harare City with support from Rotary Club of Chipinge and Rotary Club of Mutare.

Rotarians who graced the Shinja and Gudyanga inception meetings from Harare City were Past District Governor (PDG) Stella, Past District Governor (PDG) Josh, President Leslie, Nesta, Courage and President Elect (PE) Paul. From Chipinge were Assistant Governor (AG) Snapper, Past Assistant Governor (PAG) Tina, President Elizabeth, Immediate Past President (IPP) Bridgitta, President Elect Zivanai, Winnie and Steve.

Speaking at the inception at Shinja, President Elizabeth of Rotary Club of Chipinge encouraged farmers to work very hard in order for the funding not to be withdrawn from Chimanimani.

“Chipinge is Chimanimani and Chimanimani is Chipinge. I am happy that the project came to our region. Everyone who uses his/her sense, legs and hands should work very hard so that the funding should not be withdrawn from here and be given to other districts. So, it’s up to us to use this funding,” she said.

President Leslie of Rotary Club of Harare City said, “We established that Shinja Irrigation Scheme has 100ha but only 37 are in use. In government terms, it is regarded as bad utilisation. The 63 percent idle area should be put to use. Also, we need to rehabilitate a dam for water storage.”

Chimanimani District Economist, Mr Samson Binton urged farmers to add value to their farm produce so that they can make huge profits.

Dr Dejene Alemneh and Gilbert Mushangari from World Vision were in attendance.