By Meditation Mposi
Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) congregants from Pamushana and Mutsambwa communities in Bikita and Zaka recently received maize seed donations from the Community Based Aid Programme (CBAP).
Speaking during the distribution, CBAP Director Samuel Mhungu said the donation was a component of a project where congregants were empowered so they can feed their families and give to the needy.
“The maize seed distribution is a component of a diaconal project where congregants are empowered with seeds to assist them during the farming season. Upon harvesting, the congregants keep some of the produce to themselves and donate some to the vulnerable members of the society including the aged, the sick and the disabled.
“Maize seed distribution is multipurpose in that it empowers individuals who receive the grain as well as the church and the community and is part of the economic empowerment intervention to the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe congregants to improve living standards of the vulnerable in society,” said Mhungu.
He said apart from maize distribution, CBAP had poultry projects for community members in which beneficiaries were given startups and would plough back into the community.
“Apart from the maize seed distribution, we do poultry projects where we give congregants initial startups so that they can sell and re-invest into the project and give some to vulnerable members of the society” said Mhungu.
One of the beneficiaries from Pamushana, Jenipha Tofarasei expressed his gratitude and said the maize seed was beneficial to the locals as they prepare for the farming season.
“We thank CBAP for the maize seeds as we are preparing for the farming season. When we harvest and get about ten to twelve bags of maize, we donate at least two bags to the vulnerable and keep the remaining to ourselves. The programme always come at the right time and we are grateful,” said Tofarasei.
Another congregant from Mutsambwa, Benson Mugombi said he was elated by the distribution programme which he said helps to ensure food security.
“I am impressed by the maize seed distribution by the CBAP; it helps the church and the community in terms of food security. We also have a garden which was funded by CBAP where we grow some vegetables and watermelons which we sell to generate income and give some to the vulnerable people in our communities,” said Mugombi.
A total of 70 people benefitted from the two congregations with each getting a 5kg bag of Pioneer or Seedco 555.
