By Violet Mashonga
In the heart of Zimbabwe’s Kariba district, a remarkable story of community-driven development and agricultural innovation is unfolding.
As part of a knowledge exchange initiative, agricultural extension officers from Hurungwe and Kariba districts came together to share best practices and experiences in sustainable farming.
The focus of the visit was on Village Business Units (VBUs)—community-based agricultural enterprises that are transforming local livelihoods.
These VBUs offer essential support and resources to farmers, helping them build resilience in the face of challenges such as climate change and economic uncertainty.
During the exchange, officers from both districts explored practical solutions and witnessed first-hand how VBUs are empowering rural communities.
The team from Hurungwe expressed admiration for the progress made by their Kariba counterparts and showed keen interest in replicating some of the successful models in their own communities.
A key highlight of the visit was the Mashuma Enterprises VBU, led by Richard Mtuvira. Supported by World Vision, this VBU has flourished into a robust agricultural initiative, with 74 members jointly managing a 2-hectare garden.
The plot is split between horticultural crops and fruit orchards, reflecting the community’s commitment to crop diversification and long-term sustainability.
The success of Mashuma Enterprises is rooted in strong leadership, community cohesion, and technical guidance from Extension Officer Munyamani Tariro.
By pooling knowledge, resources, and labor, the group has created a self-sustaining model that not only boosts food security but also generates income.
Beyond crops, the VBU also breeds and sells Sasso chicks, further enhancing income-generation efforts and helping members support essential needs like education and healthcare.
Another stop on the tour was the Gomba Nutrition Garden in Ward 9, Msambakaruma. Led by Chairlady Nhamo Chihuri, this initiative currently has 30 active members and utilizes government-supplied inputs to grow a wide variety of crops.
Although currently facing water shortages, the garden is a symbol of perseverance and has set its sights on becoming a fully-fledged VBU. The group is seeking support to realize this vision and scale up its impact.
The exchange visit underscored the power of collaboration and peer learning in agricultural development.
It showcased how farmers and extension officers, working hand-in-hand, can develop innovative strategies to overcome challenges and enhance livelihoods.
As the VBUs in Kariba continue to grow, they offer a compelling blueprint for community-led development.
With adequate support, these initiatives have the potential to reshape rural economies, improve quality of life, and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s broader development goals.
The determination of the Gomba Nutrition Garden to evolve into a VBU is a testament to the transformative power of grassroots action—and a clear signal that with vision and support, communities can build a better future from the ground up.
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