In Zimbabwe, agriculture remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy, contributing about 17 percent to its GDP, and supporting more than 60 percent of its population of more than 16.6 million, which is roughly 9.96 million individuals.
However, increasing climate variability, marked by frequent droughts and erratic rainfall, poses a threat to food security and economic stability. Innovative solutions are urgently needed to safeguard food production and rural livelihoods.
For us, at Bread and Water for Africa®, those “innovative solutions” include a solar-powered drip irrigation system. The adoption of drip irrigation systems is not just an agricultural improvement—it is a strategic necessity.
By enhancing water use efficiency, stabilizing food production, and building resilience against climate shocks, drip irrigation can help secure a sustainable food future for Zimbabwe.
Prioritizing this technology will strengthen rural communities, promote economic growth, and ensure national food sovereignty.
In June, we announced that due to the disastrous effects of the El Niño-induced drought in the country, working with our longtime partner, Shinga Development Trust in Mutare, we would be installing such a system to benefit the children living at Shinga’s Lerato Children’s Home.
At the time, we noted that the need is particularly critical now as Shinga founder and director Margaret Makambira noted that its farming activities had just “experienced the poorest yields ever during the calendar year 2024” as a result of the droughts.
Today, we are pleased and proud to report that thanks to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa®, the system has been installed and is now operational.
The project components include a 5,000-liter (1,320-gallon) tank for water storage, a four-meter (13-foot) high water stand to allow enough pressure that covers 100 meters (328-foot) using gravity, eight 595 watts solar panels to provide renewable energy for pumping water into the storage tank, water pipes and connectors for layering in the field and an alternating current (AC) speed drive for power regularization.
The installation process involved the installation of the solar panels, AC speed drive, and all plumbing works from the fitting of the tank and its stand to all pipe works.
“The home is now preparing for the following vegetable plants – namely, tomatoes, cabbages and sweet potatoes in the gardens where the drip irrigation system was installed,” says Margaret.
Now with the development of the garden fully underway, Margaret is striving to reach the project’s primary objectives of improving food security for the children of Lerato and to generate income to attain self-sufficiency through the sales of surplus produce at local markets, which will also improve food security for villagers in the surrounding community.
In fact, says Margaret, “The local community is happy with the project as it is going to bring a consistent supply of farm produce.
“The project is aiming for self-sustainability. Farm produce from the agricultural activities shall be sold, and the generated revenue will grow the project in the short run until it can sustain the home in the long run.”
Margaret noted that the project’s most direct beneficiaries – the children and youth who call Lerato home and have a vested interest in its overall success – were involved in the project planning and implementation through helping in land preparation and the planting of the very first crop batch.
“This was done with the issue of age in mind, where children were given a small portion to clear during land preparation as well as in the planting process,” she explained that the gardener and volunteers from the home’s mother church cleared the land to enable the smooth operation of the project.”
And what is the project’s most significant achievement, according to Margaret?
“This project ensures there is reliable water supply.
“We are grateful to the supporters of Bread and Water for Africa® for their continued support to Shinga Development Trust in poverty eradication.”
