Rural irrigation schemes across Zimbabwe are being encouraged to transition from subsistence farming to commercially driven enterprises, as stakeholders push for sustainable rural development aligned with Vision 2030.
Speaking at a District Commercial Field Day in Guruve, Rural Development Director Leonard Munamati emphasized the need for structured, business-oriented operations within irrigation schemes. “Irrigation schemes should move from subsistence farming to commercial farming. They should employ managers, secure resources from banks instead of waiting for government inputs, and adopt clear work plans or cropping programmes as commercial farm projects,” he said.
Munamati further urged that all irrigation schemes nationwide be registered as companies, with members focusing on profitability. He noted that such transformation would enable farmers to conduct market research and sell produce strategically. “They should grow to sell, not just grow and sell,” he added, encouraging diversification into food security and high-value crops.
He also highlighted the importance of local leadership, calling on Members of Parliament to mobilize stakeholders to invest in inputs, boreholes, and business units that uplift entire communities.
The Siyalima Irrigation Scheme in Guruve North stood out as a model of success. With 56 members, the scheme operates a centre pivot irrigation system and employs 10 workers, including security guards and clerks. It also runs poultry production with 300 broilers and a fish farming project comprising 10,000 fish, commissioned by Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The scheme has invested in key equipment, including a maize sheller, a truck, and a boom spray, while the centre pivot system was also a presidential donation. Following the maize harvest, members are preparing for wheat production, alongside bean farming, demonstrating a year-round agricultural activity across two seasons.
Beyond economic gains, the initiative has had significant social impact. “Domestic violence and early marriage has ceased because of the scheme,” said Mrs Liziwe Kondo, pointing out how income-generating projects can strengthen community welfare.
Guruve North legislator Tendai Pinduka praised the Siyalima Irrigation Scheme as a benchmark for rural industrialization. He said the project aligns with the government’s National Development Strategy 2 and reflects the broader vision of transforming rural communities into economic hubs.
“This is real business,” Pinduka said, noting the scheme’s contribution to food security, education, and local economic growth. He revealed that 16 dams in the district are ready for scalability and called on the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development to expedite the revival of idle water bodies and expand irrigation infrastructure.
As Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to modernize agriculture, initiatives like Siyalima are proving that with proper planning, investment, and community participation, rural farming can evolve into profitable and sustainable enterprises.
