By Staff Reporter
Buhera, Manicaland – The Davhe Village Business Unit (VBU) has defied the odds, yielding an impressive 10 tonnes of maize amid the arid conditions of Buhera, under the Presidential Borehole Scheme (PBS).
This initiative, aimed at transforming drought-prone areas across Zimbabwe, has become a lifeline for thousands of rural communities.
The PBS, which established thousands of VBUs nationwide, has brought a new wave of agricultural productivity to Davhe and neighboring areas.
With consistent water supplies provided by boreholes, the Davhe VBU adopted crop rotation techniques, cultivating maize, vegetables, tomatoes, and cabbages.
This year’s maize harvest marked a major milestone for the unit, as all 10 tonnes were purchased at a lucrative price of US$4,000 by Prevail Group International (PGI).
The organization, a key implementer of the PBS, has not only facilitated access to water but has also created sustainable market linkages for small-scale farmers.
PGI chairperson Paul Tungwarara stated, “The PBS speared by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has changed the agricultural narrative for Buhera.
“Despite being in a drought-prone region, local communities are now producing surplus yields, improving food security, and transforming lives.”
Over 86 small-scale farmers directly benefited from the VBU’s latest maize harvest.
Many have expressed gratitude for the PBS, highlighting how access to water and organized farming has uplifted their livelihoods.
Maria Nyamunda, a beneficiary and mother of three, shared how the VBU has been a game-changer for her family.
“Before this noble VBU initiative, we relied on inconsistent rains, and our crops often failed.
“With the borehole and guidance from the VBU, I can now grow food throughout the year.
“I sold my share of the maize harvest and will use the money to send my children to school and buy groceries,” said Nyamunda
Another beneficiary, Tatenda Mhiripiri added, “This initiative has empowered women like me to be financially independent.”
“I no longer worry about feeding my family, and I even managed to start a small poultry project with the proceeds from our VBU earnings,” said Mhiripiri.
The Davhe VBU’s success demonstrates the transformative potential of the Presidential Borehole Scheme, offering a sustainable solution to the challenges faced by rural communities.
As more VBUs replicate this success, Zimbabwe is poised to combat food insecurity and poverty in its most vulnerable regions.
For the farmers of Davhe and many others across the country, the future looks promising, with agricultural initiatives like the PBS bridging the gap between adversity and opportunity.
