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Ellen Chasokela recently in Gwanda

The Gwanda and Matobo community is expected to benefit from the Renewable Energy Empowering Women Farmer (REEWF) project being implemented by Practical Action and Fambidzanai Pemaculture in these two Districts. The Project is being funded by the Isle of Man Government and set to be completed August 2020.

The project is being implemented by Practical Action and has drilled nine boreholes in Gwanda South and will be installing solar systems to facilitate irrigation.

The project is mainly targeting 70 percent women and 30 percent men.

Practical Action project officer Mrs Langelihle Ndlovu said the project was mainly targeting women because their research showed that majority of the population in rural areas were women.

“At least 70 percent of the people in the project should be women because they are the ones who are more involved in gardening than men. When these gardens are fully functional we expect them to feed their families first and then sell the surplus to the local market.

“We have trained the farmers on how to add value to their products so as to maximise on profits,” she said.

Mrs Ndlovu added that Practical Action had other projects supporting those residents who were not involved in the garden projects.

A Ward 13 farmer, Mr Mbalekelwa Ndlovu, said:  “Life has been difficult for us since February when our boreholes dried up. I used to do horticulture and sell the produce to pay fees for my children and buy other commodities but now it is a challenge.

“Upon completion of this project I will be able to continue with my gardening and support my family.”

Ward 9 farmer, Mrs Stembile Moyo expressed gratitude to Practical Action for remembering the women farmers in Gwanda.

“l am happy and grateful to Practical Action for supporting us. Our area is an ecological region characterised by drought conditions, so we rely on irrigation. We could not afford to set up the solar systems, so their gesture is most welcomed and appreciated. Practical Action is contributing 90 percent of the resources and we contribute 10                                                                                      percent.

“The project will make a great impact on the livelihoods of the community. We have been struggling since early this year when our boreholes dried up but Practical Action has come to the rescue,’’ she said.