Staff Reporter
Communities in Pfura District, Mashonaland Central Province, are already experiencing tangible development through six fully operational Village Business Units (VBUs) established in Ward 28.
The VBUs, which are a combination of crop production, aquaculture, and youth employment, are part of ongoing efforts to promote community-based economic activities to improve rural livelihoods.
Ward 28 Councillor, Gift Madziwa, confirmed the progress across all local VBUs.
“At Chaminuka Vocational Training Centre VBU, over 27,000 cabbage plants are ready for harvest, providing food for the institution and surrounding communities. We have six village business units, which are all functional. We also have fish ponds in all the 6 gardens,” said Cllr Madziwa.
The Chaminuka VBU has also become a key employer in the area, particularly for young people.
Farm manager, Patience Denga, said the initiative has created jobs for the youths engaged which keeps them focused on productive activities.
“We are looking into the community as well. Farming is a business, so I want to thank our leadership. We also employed a number of youths because we don’t want them to get into drug and substance abuse,” said Denga.
Community member, Tandiwe Makumborenga, said access to fresh produce and water has improved significantly.
“As a community, we are benefiting a lot from this VBU. We are now accessing most of our produce here, as well as clean water to drink,” said Makumborenga.
Parliamentarians who toured the project expressed satisfaction with its implementation and impact.
Honourable Martin Matinyanya praised the organisations involved in rolling out the programme.
“We want to thank ZINWA and Prevail, who are implementing this programme. Here, we are told there are 27,000 plants of cabbage,” said Hon. Matinyanya.
Honourable Isaac Chinodakufa said the project demonstrates practical community transformation.
“Our role is supervision, so what we have seen is a programme that is transforming the community,” said Hon. Chinodakufa.
The VBU model, which includes both village and school-based units, is being credited for supporting local production, job creation, and food security, and is being considered for replication in other areas to further strengthen rural economies.
VBUs deliver tangible benefits in Pfura District
