Tiyani Hahlani

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has officially opened a Village Business Unit (VBU) in Ward 10 Mhikuro Village, Chivi North, as part of a nationwide programme aimed at enhancing food security and driving rural economic growth.

The initiative, launched on August 7, is part of government efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and empower rural communities.

Provincial director for the ministry, Caleb Mahoya, said the VBUs were having a profound economic and social impact by providing beneficiaries with steady incomes, enabling them to invest in their livelihoods and businesses while supporting local economic activity.

“These units enhance food security through drip irrigation systems and fish farming, ensuring a reliable supply of fresh produce, improving nutrition, and promoting community well-being,” Mahoya said.

Chivi North legislator Godfrey Mukungunugwa described the VBU programme as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.

“Our goal is for all villages in the constituency to have VBUs combining nutritional gardens and fish farming,” said Mukungunugwa.

The government plans to set up 35 000 VBUs as part of its agenda to leave no one and no place behind in the journey towards attaining upper middle-income status by 2030.

A total of 224 VBUs will be setup in Masvingo and to date 135 are already up and running.

The VBU chairperson Phanos Tabe said the initiative has transformed lives, with 54 members benefiting from the project.

“We are now able to grow maize, vegetables, and tomatoes, and we run this garden as a business. It has uplifted our community,” said Tabe.