The African Journal of Water, Environment and Development

Rupike Irrigation Scheme: Assessment of opportunities and successes irrigation in Zimbabwe

Jephias Matunhu — 2024-11-26

Smallholder irrigation schemes potentially improve the livelihoods of rural communities in developing countries. Rupike Irrigation Scheme has a total of 100 ha with 200 farmers. The crops mainly produced were maize, wheat, sugar beans and vegetables. They were also actively engaged in value addition of produce so as to reach a wider market audience. It was led by an irrigation addition of produce so as to reach a wider market audience. The success of the scheme was attributed to an effective management and functional constitution as well as receiving technical support from relevant stakeholders. Major challenges encountered were a poor road network and unreliable electricity supply. Good scheme management is important for improved livelihoods. The attributes of a good scheme management include a vibrant IMC, functional constitution and technical backstopping from relevant departments. Produce is primarily for home consumption while the surplus is sold to surrounding communities. The farmers were also actively engaged in value addition of produce so as to reach a wider market. The scheme members could take advantage of the dam to venture into other money-making activities such as agri- tourism and fishing. This could widen the revenue base and hedge them against price fluctuations of agriculture produce. The scheme management should continuously engage relevant departments and the local authorities for road maintenance. This would enable them to reach a wider audience in terms of produce marketing and visibility. Investing in other alternative power systems such as wind and solar are key to ensure that cropping cycles are not disrupted resulting in poor produce.

The provision of psycho-social support for young people in Chitungwiza District. A case of SOS International, Zimbabwe

Jonathan Mrewa — 2024-11-26

The study sought to assess the provision of psycho-social support for young persons in Chitungwiza under the Family Strengthening programme spearheaded by SOS International. The study adopts a mixed method approach. Mixed research approach was used to establish empirical associations between indicators of psychosocial support in Chitungwiza. All participants in this study were 18 years and older. In total, 25 participants were involved in the study with 5 officers participating in semi- structured interviews and 20 young people completed questionnaires during the study. The research participants were chosen based on their knowledge and experiences of the phenomenon of psychosocial challenges among the youths in Chitungwiza district. A number of themes emerged on the provision of psychosocial support programmes during data collection and interpretation. The study revealed there are various dimensions of psychological and social issues affecting young people in the community that include mental, suicidal tendencies, anxieties and poor self-concept as well as sexual abuse and teenage pregnancies. Overall, in terms of seeking support, 50 % young people expressed concerns of being judged by service providers and community, 15 % indicated that lack of information is a factor; 15 % outlined that centres that provide services are sometimes far from where they live and 20 % of young people lack motivation to receive such support. One of the panaceas identified in the study to reduce psychosocial problems among young people, is community engagement and advocacy to deal with the social issues that triggers psychological challenges. In addition, it was highlighted that there is need establish more Youth Friendly Centres that can help in cascading psychosocial programmes for young people to deal with the challenges they face in their everyday lives.

Tugwi Mukosi Dam and climate change: Unlocking economic value from Field Cropping for Chivi and Masvingo rural districts

Francis Muromo — 2024-11-26

Climate change is real and water harvesting is a promising strategy for food and income insecurity for struggling communities. This study proposes how agricultural crop value can be unlocked by Masvingo and Chivi rural district communities around and downstream Tugwi Mukosi Dam (TMD). The TMD is Zimbabwe’s largest inland water body and is located at the confluence of Tugwi-Mukosi rivers. The dam is on the boundary of the two districts of Masvingo Province. The study applied both qualitative and quantitative data from Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Lands, Water, Agriculture Fisheries and Rural Development, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe Limited, local leadership (elected and traditional), development agencies in Chivi, and Masvingo districts, the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), as well as agronomists from a local university. Study participants were purposively selected. Interviews, observation and questionnaires were the main data collection instruments. Findings from this study established that local communities around and downstream this dam still suffer severe food and income insecurity despite being on the fringes of this mega water body. It also established vast agricultural crop potential for local communities given supportive national policy and capital investment by the government. It established that the dam was planned and constructed to serve economic interests of corporates only. The study recommends liberalisation of the ZINWA policy to allow local communities to benefit fully from the dam, particularly now as the two districts suffer the effects of climate change.