Sibongile Banxa is a farmer at Chibuwe Block C Irrigation Scheme and she cultivates sugar beans, wheat and tomatoes. She said, “This year, I planted wheat for the first time, utilizing knowledge gained from SIRP trainings. The area planted is 0.2 acres, and I expect a yield of 12 bags. Each bag will fetch US$25 when sold to GMB so I expect to make $300.I want to buy myself an asset that will always remind me of the SIRP programme. I have also planted hectare of beans, with 0.4 acres in this field and the rest in the adjacent block.”
For most farmers in Musikavanhu, the rehabilitation of the scheme has brought many benefits. Pointing to the network of canals running through the scheme Banxa said, “These are some of the canals that were rehabilitated by SIRP. This the main canal conveys water from Block C to Block D. We no longer experience any water losses between blocks. SIRP has provided us with adequate water for irrigation. Before SIRP, we experienced poor yields due to various problems, but now we produce at least 2 tonnes per hectare, up from 1.5 tonnes. After harvesting the beans, I expect to earn $1,000.”
In addition to improved yields and productivity, Banxa has also acquired assets after the rehabilitation of the scheme. She said, “Thanks to SIRP, I was able to buy goats and build a goat pen, two houses that is a kitchen and a bedroom. This is the goat housing that I built after receiving lessons from SIRP.
I also hired someone to dig a well which has become our source of water. I also purchased a set of sofas and paid my children’s tuition fees. I previously harvested tomatoes and plan to plant groundnuts, maize and tomatoes again. And from the proceeds I plan to purchase a scotch cart.”
The intervention by the project also resulted in improved nutrition for the family, “We now enjoy a balanced diet, which is especially important for women of child bearing age like myself who require various nutrients. My goat population has grown from 5 to 23 and they are now an improved breed, allowing me to eat meat anytime and use the manure for my vegetable patch.”