Urban farming project brings hope to residents

Gweru-The WeltHungerLife Gweru urban resilient project has brought hope to Gweru residents who
have been affected by natural disasters and economic shocks.
Speaking during a tour of projects, WHH communications officer Kudzai Mpangi said that the
project, which is being done at Gweru City Council’s Go Beer Farm was a response and relief to the
challenges.
WWH has invested in agricultural infrastructure worth US$39 421 to help the 32 beneficiaries carry
out several self-help projects.
“The project has been implemented as a response to various shocks and challenges including
climate change, drought and crop failure, floods, and mostly the impact of Covid-19,” Mpangi said.
“In the urban areas, the impact resulted in loss of employment and livelihoods opportunities as well
as an accelerated and unanticipated breakdown and decay of essential services delivery systems.”
One woman beneficiary, Annie Rupiya Makurenje, thanked WeltHungerLife and its partners for
jointly availing the project that has made positive changes to their lives.
“I would like to thank WeltHungerLife, GCC and partners for sponsoring this project that has
developed us from vending and backyard farmers to farming that can change livelihoods of the
community,” said Annie Rupiya.
Edmore Mubayiwa, the District Agricultural Extension Officer encouraged WeltHungerLife to
continue hosting such tours to enable farmers to exchange notes on how they can improve their
farming skills and produce more food for themselves and the country.
The field day had six members showcasing their crops like cabbage, maize and peas among others
under the theme “Promoting urban agriculture for food security and sustainable livelihoods.”
The resilience project in Gweru is targeting 1 500 households from the city’s seven wards.
WHH’s assistance includes a variety of value chains like poultry, detergent making, peanut butter
making, sewing, and rabbit rearing which form the basis of their livelihoods.