The first phase of the revitalisation of Laverstock En Avant Irrigation Scheme in Mutasa District, Manicaland Province, has been completed under the Presidential Productivity Booster Kit Programme.
The development has brought 72 hectares of previously idle agricultural land back into production, with 24 farmers already cultivating crops at the revived irrigation scheme.
The first phase is expected to help transform the farmers from subsistence producers into commercial farmers through modern irrigation infrastructure, improved pumping systems and technical support provided under the Booster Kit Programme.
The project comes as Zimbabwe prepares for possible erratic rainfall associated with forecasts of a Super El Niño, which could increase the risk of drought and heatwaves.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the irrigation development would strengthen food security and protect livelihoods.
“This project is a crucial boost that guarantees food security, protects household livelihoods, and proves that through climate-smart agriculture, Manicaland will remain productive regardless of the drought.”
Meanwhile, work on Phase Two, which will expand the scheme by a further 135 hectares, is 60 percent complete.
Manicaland Provincial Irrigation Engineer Tendai Chimunhu said the second phase was focused on expanding water-efficient infrastructure and ensuring the additional land becomes operational.
“Under the Booster Kit Programme, our primary objective was replacing outdated systems with modern, water-efficient infrastructure. Phase One, we put in place high-capacity pumps and piping across the completed 72 hectares.”
He added that civil works on the second phase were progressing towards completion ahead of anticipated dry conditions.
One farmer said the revived irrigation scheme was already improving household livelihoods.
“We are now taking farming as a business. Harvesting beans and vegetables on this revitalised land means we can pay school fees on time and employ our local youth right here in Laverstock.”
Another beneficiary said the modern irrigation system had reduced the community’s vulnerability to unreliable rainfall.
“We used to panic because dry weather meant zero harvest. With this modern water system running, the drought does not scare us anymore; we control our own crop cycles now.”
The community also welcomed the Government intervention, saying the irrigation scheme had restored productive use of land that had remained dormant for more than two decades.
“We want to thank His Excellency, President Dr Mnangagwa, for remembering us through the Presidential Productivity Booster Kit Programme. For years our land lay dormant, but this government intervention has given us the tools to turn this scheme into a thriving agricultural hub,” a community member said.
The revitalisation of Laverstock En Avant is expected to increase agricultural production, strengthen household incomes and enhance the community’s resilience to climate-related shocks.
