A CHINA-AIDED agricultural demonstration project has significantly improved crop production and livelihoods in Zindi village, Mashonaland Central province.
The project, launched in 2024, introduced solar-powered irrigation systems, borehole drilling and modern farming techniques to the drought-prone community.
Before the intervention, villagers depended on subsistence farming and were frequently affected by water shortage and erratic rainfall.
Village head Weveson Zindi said recurring droughts severely limited agricultural output.
“When the drought came, there were only a few things to harvest,” he said.
Chinese agricultural experts drilled boreholes, installed solar-powered water pumps and laid irrigation pipelines capable of supplying up to 55 000 litres of water daily.
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The system now supports maize, sweet potatoes and various horticultural crops.
“With the boreholes, we can fetch water within our houses and with the irrigation system, we can water our gardens,” Zindi said.
“The land that was once dry is now productive.”
The programme also introduced organic fertiliser methods and soil improvement techniques.
Farmers received training in crop management, vegetable production, livestock rearing and equipment maintenance.
Zhao Ke, head of the fourth batch of Chinese agricultural experts in Zimbabwe, said the initiative focused on staple crops, vegetables and livestock while prioritising skills transfer.
“We have been imparting skills and knowledge to enable villagers to sustain production on their own,” Zhao said.
“Rural revitalisation requires not only infrastructure but also improved management and community participation.”
Villagers said the improvements had enhanced household incomes and strengthened food security.
Local farmer Handna Gwanzu said diversification into green pepper, chilli and sesame boosted earnings.
“We have learned modern farming methods and can now produce more varieties,” she said.
“This has helped us to pay school fees and improve our livelihoods.”