By Kudzai Mkono
The Zero Hunger Project official launch held on the 13th of May 2024 in Mwenezi District at Gudomutovhoti Nutritional garden, ward 14, under Chief Neshuro, where the capricious dance of rainfall and scorching temperatures challenges traditional farming norms as a result of El Nino.
Gudomutovhoti Piped Water Scheme was initiated as a collaborative effort between the Red Cross Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to address the pervasive issues of hunger and water scarcity in the region.
The Zero Hunger Project in Mwenezi District has been designed with objectives to alleviate hunger and malnutrition, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children under five to implement sustainable solutions to water scarcity through the establishment of the Gudomutovhoti Piped Water Scheme, to enhance livelihoods and economic opportunities for community members through agricultural activities and livestock rearing and improve food security, health, and hygiene practices within the community.
The official launch of the Zero Hunger Project took place at the Gudomutovhoti Nutritional garden was attended by a diverse array of stakeholders including government officials, Red Cross and IFRC representatives, educators, students, farmers, and community members. The commissioning of the project’s focal point, the Gudomutovhoti Piped Water Scheme, was successfully done by the Honorable Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde. Ezra Chadzamira’s representative Clorence Matewe
During the ceremony, Minister Chadzamira reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing water scarcity in Zimbabwe and emphasized the project’s alignment with national development goals.
“This project was in line with government efforts of achieving zero hunger-free in the country despite the El-Nino drought. The President mentioned that no one in Zimbabwe will suffer from hunger this year because he has faith in his partners, the non government organizations to achieve this goal”, said Minister Chadzamira.
He added on saying the government has drilled about one thousand boreholes as part of its commitment to addressing water scarcity in Zimbabwe to ensure a healthy and nutritional Zimbabwe.
“The government has drilled a total of 1,231 boreholes as part of its commitment to addressing water scarcity in Zimbabwe to ensure a healthy and nutritional Zimbabwe.
“Plans are underway to increase this number by 37% by the end of the year, contributing to the NDS1 – Food and Nutrition security pillar”, said the Minister of state for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
Since its inception, the Zero Hunger Project has achieved significant milestones. The Gudomutovhoti Piped Water Scheme supports a 1-hectare garden, which is fully planted with tomatoes, onions, spinach, and rape. This garden not only provides food security for the community but also serves as a source of income generation.
The water scheme, powered by solar energy, ensures clean water supply for domestic use, agricultural activities, and livestock rearing, benefiting approximately 1,700 cattle and other livestock. Additionally, the scheme provides water to Takura Primary School, located approximately 2 kilometers from the pump house for the school children and teachers.
The success of the Zero Hunger Project can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Office of the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Clorence Matewe (Minister of State representative) and Mr. Albert Tafura, his aide, and IFRC officials, and local government representatives, Mr. Albert Chivanga from the Mwenezi Rural District Council, MRDC Council Chairman, Chief Negari, Chief Inspector Solomon Mushava, ZPCS Office-in-Charge Mr. Dzoro, Superintendent Charity Mazula, and Officer In Charge CIO Cde. Mandebvu, Chief Negari, and Central Committee Member Cde. Cuthbert Mazaru.
The active stakeholders have been instrumental in driving the project forward and ensuring its success. Their commitment to the project’s objectives and shared vision of a hunger-free and water-secure community have fostered a spirit of cooperation and collective action.
Chief Neshuro pledged to protect the Water Scheme project from any potential threats or interference, underscoring the community’s dedication to safeguarding this vital resource
“will all the power I will protect the Water Scheme project from any potential threats or interference, underscoring the community’s dedication to safeguarding this vital resource, ensuring sustainability and long-term benefits for future generations”, said Chief Neshuro.
“We will Implementing educational and capacity-building initiatives to empower community members with the knowledge and skills necessary for self-reliance and resilience and Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the project’s impact and identify areas for continuous improvement and adaptation”, he added.
