By Johannes Mike Mupisa
Once known as a sun-scorched landscape reserved mostly for cattle ranching, Mwenezi District is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation.
Sometimes dismissed as barren and dry, this southern Zimbabwean district is now blossoming into a thriving hub of green innovation and agricultural promise — and the change is nothing short of revolutionary.
Thanks to a strategic blend of government action, forward-thinking individuals, and development-focused organizations, Mwenezi is turning a new page. Spearheading this transformation are several bold irrigation initiatives that are literally breathing life into the land. Among the standout projects are Chizumba Irrigation Scheme in Ward 7, which covers 139 hectares and supports 127 beneficiaries, Musaverema Irrigation Scheme in Ward 3, and the massive Pikinini-Jawanda Irrigation Scheme in Ward 4 — a 156-hectare powerhouse fed by a centre-pivot irrigation system making full use of Manyuchi Dam, one of Zimbabwe’s largest inland water bodies.
Pikinini-Jawanda is a game changer. It’s the first-ever project of its kind in the region and a bold statement by the Second Republic on its commitment to inclusive economic development. Here, 300 farmers are already reaping the fruits of their labor — 30 hectares of bean seed, 19 hectares of harvested maize, and 9 hectares of fresh green mealies. What’s more, this community is also diving into specialized fishing projects, capitalizing on the dam’s untapped aquatic potential.
As if that wasn’t enough, solar-powered borehole irrigation schemes have been rolled out across all three constituencies — Mwenezi North, West, and East. These are more than just water projects; they’re the blueprint for community resilience and sustainability in the face of climate change. “Climate change is real. The utilisation of Manyuchi water was long overdue,” said Agricultural Extension Officer, Joka Bhukuvhani, who’s been instrumental in the project’s success. He praised the collaboration between local government, Master Makope (MP for Mwenezi North), and Ward 4 Councillor Passmore Madzudzu for making the vision a reality.
Councillor Madzudzu paints an even bigger picture: “I foresee great things happening that will transform this community. A five-star lodge is already nearby, and plans are underway to allocate both business and residential stands. Great things are coming.”
In Ward 1’s Matande area, another marvel is unfolding. Joseph Village, the brainchild of Econet Wireless executive Douglas Mboweni, is buzzing with progressive agricultural activity — another sign that Mwenezi’s rise is both wide and deep.
Mwenezi is no longer a forgotten backwater. With water, willpower, and a vision for the future, this once-arid district is blossoming into a model of rural resilience and agricultural brilliance. From beans to business stands, from solar pumps to five-star tourism — Mwenezi is indeed turning green, and the world is starting to notice.
