The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) has made a significant impact on rural areas by drilling over 3,000 boreholes under the Presidential Rural Development Programme. Launched in 2021, this programme has introduced Village Business Units (VBUs) that are transforming local communities. Some beneficiaries of these VBUs are earning up to US$3,000 in dividends, marking a major boost to their incomes. As of September 3, the programme has established 196 VBUs, 49 school business units, and 20 youth business units across various provinces in Zimbabwe. Notably, the Zunde VBU in Mt Darwin supports 60 households with a one-hectare irrigated garden that produces vegetables.
The programme is a joint effort between Zinwa, the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (Arda), AFC Bank, and the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA). Zinwa is in charge of developing infrastructure such as solar-powered boreholes, water storage tanks, and drip irrigation systems. Arda handles the registration of these business units as formal companies, while AMA helps secure markets for their produce.
The Village Business Units are having a profound economic and social impact. They provide beneficiaries with a steady income of up to US$3,000 per month, allowing them to improve their livelihoods, invest in their businesses, and support the local economy. This financial stability also helps them access credit, expand their operations, and create job opportunities.
The Presidential Rural Development Programme aims to drill and equip boreholes at all 9,600 schools and 4,500 youth centres across Zimbabwe. This initiative is expected to greatly benefit rural development, economic growth, and food security, improving the lives of thousands of Zimbabweans.
VBUs also enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture through the use of drip irrigation and fishponds. These practices ensure a steady supply of fresh produce, improve nutrition, and boost overall well-being in the community. Additionally, VBUs foster a sense of ownership and involvement, as beneficiaries are both shareholders and workers, collaborating to manage and grow their businesses.
Overall, the VBUs are making a transformative difference in rural areas by addressing poverty, unemployment, and limited market access. With comprehensive infrastructure, training, and market access, VBUs help rural communities break the cycle of poverty and engage in the formal economy, contributing to Zimbabwe’s economic growth, social development, and a better quality of life for its citizens.
