Zimpapers Logo

Precious Manomano

Herald Reporter

THE GOVERNMENT has allocated ZiG670 million to the Rural Development 8,0 initiative, as the country moves to combat challenges of poverty and unemployment in rural areas.

The programme aims to the value-added processing of agricultural produce with the ultimate goal of uplifting economic prospects in rural communities and elevate the standards of living.

By doing so, the Government aims to raise community incomes and ensure food security at the household level.

The overarching goal of the Rural Development 8.0 initiative is to establish 35 000 village business units (VBUs) across 35 000 villages.

In addition to these VBUs, the programme plans to create 4 800 youth business units (YBUs) and 9 600 school business units (SBUs).

These units are envisioned as engines of income generation that will directly contribute to improving livelihoods in rural communities by the year 2028.

During the presentation of the 2025 budget, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube underscored the significance of the Rural Development 8,0 initiative.

“This initiative is crucial for the creation of much-needed rural industrialisation. By promoting economic development, we aim to uplift the livelihoods of the rural population and reduce the trend of rural-to-urban migration through targeted economic empowerment,” he said.

His remarks highlight the Government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development in rural areas, which have often been overlooked in national economic planning.

In addition to the Rural Development 8, 0 initiative, the Government is also taking proactive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The National Accelerated Irrigation Rehabilitation Programme has also been launched to develop, rehabilitate, and maintain communal irrigation schemes and major dams.

This programme also aims to support A2 farmers in maximising productivity.

To facilitate these efforts, a budget of ZiG 400, 6 million has been earmarked for irrigation rehabilitation. The goal is to increase functional irrigable land from the current 217 000 hectares to an impressive 350 000 hectares by fully exploiting the potential of existing dams.

Professor Ncube also emphasised the importance of irrigation.

“Our aim is to ensure that the country’s irrigation potential is fully exploited, which is vital for meeting our national target,” he said.

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri shared insights on the Government’s broader agricultural strategy.

He noted that significant strides had been made towards achieving food security in Zimbabwe.

“Several initiatives have been implemented, including irrigation development, dam construction, borehole drilling, and the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme.

“Agricultural development should promote rural industrialisation, which will facilitate the attainment of Vision 2030. Our agriculture sector has the potential to improve rural communities through income generation and employment opportunities,” he said.

A recent visit by The Herald to two VBUs Zunde B and Camperdown in Mt Darwin, Mashonaland Central, provided a first-hand experience at the positive impact of Government-led empowerment programmes.

Local community members expressed gratitude for the initiatives, highlighting how they have alleviated hunger and created employment opportunities.

Analysts have also hailed Government’s allocation of ZiG 670 million towards rural industrialisation as a pivotal step in addressing the economic challenges faced by rural communities in Zimbabwe. Through the establishment of business units, targeted irrigation initiatives, and a comprehensive agricultural strategy, the Government aims to foster sustainable development that uplifts livelihoods and enhances food security.