VILLAGE Business Units are emerging as game-changers in the country’s rural development drive, turning once marginalised communities into hubs of agricultural production.
For years, villagers in the Mhukuro area of Chivi North have been relying solely on erratic rainfall, resulting in poor harvests and chronic food shortages.
Their story has, however, changed after the government established a new village business unit in the area, which is benefiting over 50 households.
The new facility is backed by modern infrastructure, including solar-powered irrigation.
“As you can see, we are in a drought-prone area, and it has been very difficult for us even to access clean water. However, the establishment of this VBU has brought a new lease of life for 55 households who benefited. We have got a solar-powered borehole and villagers and our livestock can access clean water from outside the fence, said Mhukuro VBU chairperson, Mr Phanos Tabe.
Area Legislator, Honourable Godfrey Mukungunugwa, and Youth Quota Member of Parliament for Masvingo Province, Honourable Naledi Maunganidze, are equally excited about the impact of the VBU.
“The village business unit concept by the government has brought so much change to the Chivi community. This area is known for being dry, and the community has been relying on social protection from the government. However, the coming in of VBUs has enabled villagers to venture into agribusiness and generate sustainable incomes,” said Honourable Mukungunwa.
“We appreciate the government’s effort and this programme is also benefiting our women and youths, and many are now able to take care of themselves and their families,” noted Honourable Maunganidze.
More than 220 village business units have been established in Masvingo province, with the government setting a target to establish one in each village.
“This programme of village business units is one of the eight interventions under the rural development 8.0 model by the government, meant to transform rural communities for the better. The target is to establish a village business unit in every village such that many people benefit,” highlighted Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services, Masvingo Province director, Mr Caleb Mahoya.
In total, the government is targeting 35 000 village business units across the country under its rural industrialisation and empowerment programme to improve food security and create income-generating opportunities for villagers.
