By Karen Sibanda
The 50-hectare, solar-powered Gororo Irrigation Scheme has been officially commissioned in Chivi South, Masvingo Province, marking a major boost to climate-resilient agriculture and rural livelihoods in the area.
The scheme was commissioned by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Ezra Chadzamira, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri. The event was also attended by representatives from the British Embassy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Part of a broader rural development programme aimed at inclusive growth, the Gororo Irrigation Scheme is currently benefiting more than 70 households in Chivi South Ward 28. A second phase is expected to expand the scheme to 250 hectares, enabling more households to participate in commercial agriculture and supply both local and international markets.
Speaking during a tour of the project, Minister Chadzamira said the irrigation scheme represents resilience, economic opportunity, and a more secure future for the local community.
“For over 30 years, our province has endured the harsh effects of climate change,” he said. “Relentless heat, erratic rainfall, and prolonged dry spells have brought hardship to our communities. Today, we are celebrating human ingenuity, strong partnerships, and a commitment to building sustainable livelihoods.”
He added that irrigation remains critical for Masvingo Province, which now has 76 communal irrigation schemes, noting that such projects are lifelines for communities in drought-prone areas like Chivi.
UNDP Resident Representative Dr Ayodele Odusola said the organisation continues to prioritise support for vulnerable and marginalised communities through climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable food systems.
“We are increasing access to water for agriculture through climate-resilient irrigation inputs, practices, and markets,” he said. “Improved access to weather, climate, and hydrological information is essential for strengthening food security and resilient livelihoods in Zimbabwe.”
Dr Odusola noted that the Climate Adaptation Water and Energy Programme (CAWEP) was introduced at a critical time when the world is facing a triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Representing the British Embassy, Head of Human Development and Inclusion Sam Thompson thanked all partners involved in the project.
“On behalf of the United Kingdom, I would like to thank the government departments of Irrigation and Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services for their technical support, the Chivi community for providing land and project sites, and UNDP for its expertise in implementing the project,” he said.
Gororo Irrigation Scheme chairperson David Madzivire said the project has transformed the economic prospects of the local community.
“This scheme has turned us into business people through farming,” he said. “We are now producing for export markets, which has improved our financial stability and ability to meet economic demands.”
The project was implemented by the United Nations Development Programme with funding from the British Embassy’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It is led by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, with the Ministry of Agriculture serving as an executing entity.
The development includes a 50-hectare irrigation scheme powered by a 152-kilowatt solar mini-grid, 30 domestic biogas digesters, and eight community water points.
