Harare, (New Ziana)-In a major step towards boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing food security, three new community-owned irrigation schemes are set to be established around Tugwi-Mukosi Dam in Masvingo province.
According to the proposals outlined in the Tugwi-Mukosi combination master plan seen by New Ziana, the projects will be located in Gororo area, Ward 24 of Chivi district, and Ward 34 of Masvingo district.
The site earmarked for the Gororo Irrigation Scheme has already been identified by the Department of Irrigation with the plan envisioning a phased approach, starting with 20 hectares, followed by 30 hectares, and eventually expanding to 50 hectares, whilst each participating household will receive 0.5 hectares to cultivate, aiming to empower local communities and strengthen food systems.
In Ward 34 of Masvingo district, vast tracts of irrigable land offer promising opportunities for irrigation development.
Although the area is located upstream of the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam, preliminary assessments indicate that the risk of pollution and erosion is low and to reduce the cost of water delivery, the scheme will draw water from the Mutirikwi River using an inter-basin transfer approach, avoiding expensive pumping from the dam.
Meanwhile, in Ward 24 of Chivi district, plans are also underway to develop a new irrigation scheme, expanding the reach of irrigation-supported agriculture to more rural households.
Complementing these efforts, the government is prioritizing the rehabilitation of the non-functional Banga Irrigation Scheme, which has suffered from persistent water shortages, with engineering assessments showing that water from the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam can be delivered to the affected community through gravity-fed systems, offering a sustainable solution.
Long-term plans extend beyond these areas, with focus set on developing irrigation infrastructure across the remaining wards in both Masvingo and Chivi districts, according to the master plan.
These efforts will require significant investment in water conveyance, storage facilities, and modern irrigation technologies while special attention will be given to land located upstream of the Tugwi-Mukosi Dam to prevent pollution and soil erosion, which could degrade water quality downstream. Measures to mitigate such impacts include the construction of contour ridges, storm drains, and discouraging stream bank cultivation.
Beyond crop production, the development strategy emphasizes climate-proofing livestock production through the commercialization of fish farming, beekeeping, rabbit rearing, and small stock.
To support these initiatives, strong partnerships are being forged with AGRITEX, the Lowveld Research Stations in Chiredzi, Makoholi Research Station, and state universities.
These institutions will play a critical role in providing extension services, training farmers, and developing innovative technologies tailored to the region’s unique climate and soil conditions.
Additionally, plans are underway to establish a State Universities Innovation Hub within the Tugwi-Mukosi planning area that will serve as a center for research and development, aiming to further enhance agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods through innovation and knowledge transfer.
These comprehensive plans signal a significant shift toward sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture in Masvingo Province, positioning it as a key player in Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation.
New Ziana
