Push for ARDA-backed loans
SAMUEL NJINGA RECENTLY IN CHIVI
The Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, has called on the government to facilitate loan financing through the Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (ARDA) to bolster productivity within Chivi’s irrigation schemes, saying structured financial support will be vital in unlocking the province’s vast agricultural potential.
Speaking during a familiarisation tour of the Gundura Irrigation Scheme at Nyaningwe Winter Wheat Farm, a community-led project supported by the Government of Zimbabwe, the Green Climate Fund, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)—Chadzamira said Masvingo Province would leverage its irrigation capacity to meaningfully contribute to Zimbabwe’s US$8 billion agriculture economy target.
“As a province, we want to ensure that farmers operating under irrigation schemes access affordable loans through ARDA to expand production and modernise their operations,” said Chadzamira. “There is also need to construct contour ridges to prevent siltation and protect arable land adjacent to rivers. This should be done within a month as part of broader land and water conservation efforts.”
The Gundura Irrigation Scheme, which covers 40 hectares and sources water from Muzhwi Dam—the third-largest dam in Zimbabwe—has emerged as a model for climate-resilient agriculture in Masvingo. The dam’s dependable water supply has enabled farmers to move from subsistence to commercial production, particularly in winter wheat and other high-value crops, enhancing food security and local incomes.
Chadzamira highlighted that with 54% of Zimbabwe’s total water resources currently dammed, Masvingo Province is strategically positioned to become a key agricultural hub.
“Efficient use of water through irrigation will drive productivity and create sustainable livelihoods for rural communities,” he noted.
The minister underscored that agriculture remains one of the main economic pillars underpinning Zimbabwe’s growth, with irrigation schemes serving as catalysts for value addition, job creation, and export expansion.
