The Siyalima Irrigation Scheme in Guruve North is emerging as a model for rural development, with farmers recording improved harvests, increased incomes and better living standards.
Speaking during a District Commercial Field Day, Guruve North legislator Tendai Pinduka hailed the project as a practical example of how rural communities can drive economic growth in line with the country’s development agenda.
He said the scheme reflects the vision of Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa under the National Development Strategy 2, which prioritises food security and rural industrialisation.
“This is real business.The Siyalima Irrigation Scheme shows that our rural communities are capable of establishing thriving enterprises that generate income, improve food security and uplift livelihoods,” said Pinduka.
The irrigation scheme has become a lifeline for many families in the area, enabling year-round farming and reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which has often been affected by erratic weather patterns.
Farmers at Siyalima are now producing a variety of crops, including maize, vegetables and other high-value produce, which they sell to local markets, boosting household incomes and supporting the local economy.
One of the beneficiaries, Tawanda Chikuni, said the project has brought significant change to his life.
“Before this scheme, we struggled to get enough food from our fields because of droughts. Now I can grow crops throughout the year and even sell surplus to pay school fees for my children,” he said.
Another community member, Ms Rudo Mavhunga, said the irrigation scheme has empowered women in the area.
“We are now able to stand on our own through farming. I have managed to build a better home and support my family because of this project,” she said.
Pinduka noted that the district has potential for further expansion, revealing that 16 dams are available and could be utilised to scale up irrigation activities.
He urged the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to prioritise the rehabilitation of idle dams and expansion of irrigation schemes.
“There is need to accelerate rural development by reactivating these water bodies and extending irrigation to more communities so that we strengthen food security across the district and beyond,” he said.
The Siyalima Irrigation Scheme continues to stand as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the transformative power of sustainable agriculture in rural Zimbabwe.
