By Andrew Zhou.
CHIVI – The Rubaya family of Chivi North Ward 4 has emerged as a beacon of innovation and resilience in one of Masvingo’s driest districts, after successfully hosting a field day to showcase their thriving family Village Business Unit (VBU) recently.
Scores of villagers, local leaders, and agricultural extension officers gathered at the Rubaya homestead last week to witness the family’s wide-ranging farming techniques, which have significantly improved food security in their community. The event highlighted how a small-scale farming initiative can inspire transformation in an area traditionally known for drought and food shortages.
From a humble bucket watering system to a sophisticated drip irrigation network, the Rubayas demonstrated how they were using modern farming methods to combat water scarcity and ensure consistent crop production.
Visitors toured their lush vegetable gardens, which are now a reliable source of fresh produce for nearby households and markets as far as Zvishavane.
Acquliner Paradza Rubaya said they started farming using the bucket system and later on shifted to the drip irrigation system after drilling a solar powered borehole using the business proceeds. The produces are being sold to the local market in the community and as far as Zvishavane markets.
“We started our farming using the bucket system using the water from the well and later on shifted to drip system after drilling a solar powered borehole. We are selling our produces to the community and to other outside markets like Zvishavane.” said Rubaya.
In addition to horticulture, the family has diversified into poultry, goat, sheep, and cattle farming enterprises that improve food security in the dry Chivi area and income generation for the family.
“We realized that relying on one farming activity was not enough. By combining horticulture with livestock production, we can feed our family, earn a living, and easy food shortages during tough times. Diversified farming also helps us in reduction of animal supplementary costs since we are now using crop residues as supplementary feeds.” Noted Rubaya.
Pithias Rubaya, Gogo Rubaya, underscored the need for livestock farmers in dry regions to adopt dehorning system as a way of adapting to harsh climatic condition in Chivi district. He explained that the practice helps reduce injuries among cattle and improve survival chances during dry season.
Dehorning cattle in dry areas is important as it helps the animals to cope better with the harsh conditions we face here in Chivi. It also prevent injuries. Farmers also should avoid milking so as to improve the growth rate for their calves and to improve birthrate among the livestock.” Said Pithias.
Speaking at the field day, Ward 4 Mudadisi area, Agricultural extension officer Stanley Mpfumo, who praised the family for setting an example of climate-smart farming in a challenging environment. He emphasized that the Rubaya family business was one of the best individual business unit in the area and the family heeded the advice and knowledge they got from local extension officers.
“The Rubayas have shown that with proper planning and commitment, even dry regions like Chivi can achieve food security .This business unit is one of the best business unit here in ward 4 as it has a diversified farming system from livestock to horticulture production,” said Mapfumo.
Community members also lauded the family’s initiative, noting that their produce, ranging from fresh vegetables to free-range chickens, had reduced the need to travel long distances for food supplies.
The Rubaya family sells their harvest both locally and at Zvishavane markets, generating income that has helped them reinvest in farming equipment and expand their operations. Their success has encouraged other villagers to adopt similar techniques, with several pledging to start implementation of diversified farming.
Ward 4 Councilor Elphas Runoinda applauded the Rubayas for their contribution to local development and highlighted that theirs was the first individual village business unit to host such a field day in the ward..
“What this family is doing goes beyond farming, it is about community empowerment. Their business unit is a model for others in Chivi North to emulate. The family listened to the extension officers to practice farming as a business. We have two more individual village business unit here in the ward and other four for the whole ward.”said. Runoida.
With their innovative approach and commitment to sustainability, the Rubaya family had not only improved their own livelihood but also demonstrated that hard work, unity, and modern farming practices can transform even the harshest of environments. Their efforts are a reminder that food security in rural Zimbabwe is possible when communities take charge of their own development.
