The Manjinji Irrigation Scheme Rehabilitation project is funded by Liechtenstein Development Service (LED).  The scheme is located in Malipati ward of Chiredzi District, covering 60 ha and is targeting 500 households.

Goal

To alleviate poverty and food insecurity in the dry rural areas of Zimbabwe

Purpose

To diversify and improve livelihoods of 500 rural households in the Malipati area of Chiredzi District through rehabilitation of the irrigation infrastructure and enhanced agricultural production in Manjinji Irrigation Scheme.

Objectives

•  Rehabilitation of the infrastructure.
• The improvement of food security and nutrition of 500 households through improved agronomic skills, crop diversification and adoption of appropriate agricultural production technologies.
• Diversify and increase the incomes of 120 small holder farmers through the production of high value crops.
•  Establish and maintain a viable community-based irrigation scheme management committee.

Interventions

The target group for this project is 120 smallholder irrigators and 500 households in three villages of Malipati ward of Chiredzi District that use and access benefits from the Manjinji irrigation scheme.

The project is fairly new and hence no concrete results have yet been achieved. However assessments have been conducted by the Irrigation Department and Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) and material for rehabilitating the irrigation has been acquired. A total of 20 hectares of land has been cleared and is ready for ploughing. AREX has conducted the pegging of canals that need to be rehabilitated, and construction work is currently underway. Spare parts for servicing four engines have been procured, and ZINWA has started repairing the engines and pumps.

A farmer organization model has been identified and structures are yet to be put in place. SAFIRE has conducted market research in Malipati, Chiredzi and surrounding areas to assess demand for identified crops. This has been followed by crop selection that has been conducted by the farmers with assistance from AREX officials. An Irrigation Management Committee has also  been established.