Farmers in Mwenezi District are sustaining crop production and contributing to national food security through government-supported irrigation schemes at Pikini-Jawanda and Musavarema.
Mwenezi District Information Officer Rodney Kudzanai, said that the schemes are particularly vital in a district frequently affected by drought.
“Pikini-Jawanda and Musavarema are very important for food security in Mwenezi. They allow farmers to produce crops throughout the year, providing reliable food supplies for local communities,” Kudzanai said.
He singled out Musavarema as one of the district’s most productive schemes. “Musavarema has performed very well, supporting smallholder farmers to grow maize, vegetables and other crops consistently. Pikini-Jawanda also continues to provide reliable water, helping to stabilise food supply for surrounding communities,” he added.
Kudzanai highlighted that strong governance and effective management have been key to the success of the irrigation projects.
“Schemes such as Pikini-Jawanda and Musavarema operate efficiently because they have functional management committees supported by government technical staff,” he explained.
Farmers are also being equipped with the skills needed to manage the irrigation systems effectively. “Farmers receive regular training from the Department of Irrigation, while technical staff from Agritex and the Department of Irrigation and Development provide support whenever it is needed,” Kudzanai said.
Extension officers play a hands-on role in overseeing operations. “Each irrigation scheme has an extension officer assigned to it. At Musavarema, officers from ARDA and Agritex work closely with the scheme’s management committee to manage day-to-day activities,” he said.
Looking ahead, Kudzanai said government support would continue to expand irrigation in the district. “We need more schemes where land and water are available. Current schemes are sustainable and productive, especially when farmers receive the full package of inputs provided by government programmes,” he said.
The success of Pikini-Jawanda and Musavarema aligns with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030, which aims to achieve food security, economic growth, and resilient agriculture. By investing in irrigation and supporting farmers, the government is ensuring that communities in Mwenezi can thrive even in drought-prone areas, contributing to a prosperous and sustainable future for the country
