Gutu District, Masvingo- Smallholder farmers in Gutu District are demonstrating how climate-resilient agriculture combined with collective action and market-oriented production can improve food and nutrition security while creating household income opportunities.
This progress took center stage during the inception meeting of the Community-Led Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Advocacy for Food Security in Gutu District project, held on 29 July 2026. The event brought together DAPP Zimbabwe, government representatives and other key stakeholders, including Mr. Leonard Munamati, Director in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development who led a delegation to the district.
The delegation toured two Farmers’ Clubs named Cheziya and Ruponiso, each comprising 50 members each. Farmers showcased their production activities and openly discussed both the hurdles and opportunities in transforming small-scale agriculture into reliable sources of income.
Farmers shared their ambition to generate at least USD 30 per farmer per month from garden sales only. At Cheziya Farmers’ Club, members showcased an integrated farming model that combines vegetable and mushroom production with fish, rabbit and poultry rearing, alongside honey production. This diversified approach not only supports household food consumption but also creates multiple income streams.
The initiative is closely aligned with the Village Business Units (VBUs) framework, which promotes organized, productive, and market-oriented community enterprises. It also supports Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2, which prioritizes decent livelihoods, climate resilience, and sustainable agricultural production.
Launched in May 2026, the 24-month project aims to strengthen the formalization of Farmers’ Clubs into cooperatives, improving market linkages and strengthening climate policy advocacy to enhance resilience and sustainable livelihoods for 500 smallholder farmers in Gutu District.
Commending the farmers for their embrace of the VBU approach, Mr. Munamati urged them to strengthen their clubs by forming cooperatives and opening group bank accounts. These steps, he noted, would improve access to financial services, loans, and government-supported cooperative schemes.
“It is uplifting to see smallholder farmers engaging in Village Business Units; something the government is actively promoting,” said Mr. Munamati. He described Gutu farmers as a shining example of how the right tools, knowledge and support can drive meaningful development.
DAPP Zimbabwe Country Director, Mr. Soda, expressed gratitude to project partners for their continued support of farmer-centered development. He also acknowledged Civil Society in Development through UFF-Humana, for funding this project and investing in sustainable community development.