Sharon Chikowore
ZVIMBA EAST — Efforts to promote rural industrialisation are beginning to bear fruit in Nharira North, where a Village Business Unit (VBU) is transforming livelihoods and creating economic opportunities within the community.
VBUs are community-owned, solar-powered commercial agriculture hubs launched under the Presidential Rural Development Programme to transform rural villages into income-generating, food-secure agribusinesses.
There are over 1 800 VBUs countrywide, which marks a significant step in combating food insecurity and uplifting rural livelihoods.
The Kushinga Village Business Unit, handed over by the Upper Mhanyame Sub-Catchment Council, is already making a positive impact in Ward 25.
“We are following the President’s (Mnangagwa) mantra that nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. For our country to prosper, water must be at the centre of socio-economic development. By handing this over, we are demonstrating our commitment to unity and our purpose as a partner that empowers the community,” said Chairperson Endy Mhlanga.
Nharira North District Chairlady, Girly Tawodzera, who is also the Chairperson of the Kushinga project, said the initiative has empowered women and brought meaningful change to the area.
“I am happy with this initiative handed over to us by Upper Mhanyame for our Kushinga Business Unit. As women, we are being empowered. We have 26 members, 20 women and six men, and out of the 20 women, six are youths,” she said.
She explained that the project has given members a productive source of income while also improving household nutrition.
“We now have something constructive to do. We are working, earning an income and improving our nutrition at the same time. The borehole donated by Upper Mhanyame is also benefiting the wider community by providing clean and safe drinking water for families and livestock. This is highly commendable,” she added.
The group has already ventured into fish farming and plans to expand into poultry production, demonstrating the potential for diversified rural enterprises.
Ward 25 Councillor, Ruzai Muchaurawa, said the project reflects President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of promoting industries in rural areas.
“When you look at the Village Business Units and what President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been emphasising, it is clear that development should not be confined to towns. Industries must also be established in rural areas,” she said.
Muchaurawa noted that such initiatives encourage self-reliance and reduce rural-urban migration.
“These programmes are helping us to grow and think beyond traditional farming. We want to produce our own goods, create employment and build strong local markets here in rural areas instead of relying on towns. In the future, if someone wants to buy furniture such as a wardrobe, they should be able to get it locally because it is being manufactured here,” she said.
Agritex officers urged members to ensure the sustainability of the project by maintaining the infrastructure and continuously exploring new income-generating opportunities.
Member of Parliament for Zvimba East, Decide Mananzwa, represented by Councillor Kudzanai Bako, expressed gratitude that people in Zvimba now have meaningful activities thanks to the support of the Upper Mhanyame Sub-Catchment Council.
The project, valued at US$25 000, includes solar panels, a fenced nutritional garden and a borehole. Community members also contributed by building a toilet and constructing a drinking point for livestock.
The Kushinga Village Business Unit stands as a practical example of how rural industrialisation can empower women and youth, improve food security and stimulate economic growth at the community level.
Rural industrialisation gains momentum
