Rotary and World Vision to Extend Mumera Nutrition Garden to Boost Food Security
By Isheunesu Gwasha (Programs Communications Officer)
Mumera Nutrition Garden, was established in 2021 by World Vision Zimbabwe with support from World Vision Hong Kong. Since its inception, the garden has provided food and income for 152 farmers, each managing 0.2 hectares of land. The nearby perennial river, which irrigates the garden, has facilitated efficient watering of the crops.
During last year's dry season, which was worsened by the El Niño-induced drought, Mumera Nutrition Garden continued to thrive. Impressed by its success, the Partners for Environment Project on Ecosystem Services, funded by Rotary International with additional support from World Vision USA, intends to extend the garden’s benefits to new community members.
The expansion of the garden, which encompasses an additional 100 hectares, is set to benefit approximately 250 farmers from the Mumera Community. This project is designed to transition from traditional flood irrigation, which is water-intensive and often inefficient, to a more sustainable and climate-friendly drip irrigation system that targets the plant roots directly.
During an on-site discussion about the project, Gilbert Mushangari, the Climate Action and Livelihoods Technical Advisor for World Vision Zimbabwe, elaborated on the many advantages of drip irrigation.
“This method significantly conserves water, limits weed growth, enhances plant health, and minimizes soil erosion, making it a far superior alternative to flood irrigation,” he said
Stanley Tayengana, the enthusiastic chairperson of the garden, expressed the community’s excitement about the expansion. “We wholeheartedly welcome this idea. It is a vital step that will provide support to some of our most vulnerable community members who missed out on the benefits of the first project,” he noted, highlighting the inclusive nature of the new plan.
“We want to express our deepest appreciation to Rotary International and World Vision for including us in this expansion. The impact of this project will be profound, helping to tackle the pressing issues of hunger and poverty that many families in our community face,” said Emelia Makirambo, a member of the Mumera community garden.
By incorporating these updates, the garden initiative aims to foster greater food security and economic stability within the Mumera Community.
The garden will also contribute to environmental greening efforts. Trees sourced from nurseries will be transplanted around the garden to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. According to Obey Sonono, an ecologist providing consultancy services for the project, the trees surrounding the garden will play a crucial role in its success. “The trees that will be planted around the garden are important habitats for pollinators, which are essential for plant reproduction and food production,” he stated.
With the combined efforts of Rotary, World Vision, and the community, Mumera Nutrition Garden is becoming a thriving hub of resilience, sustainability and hope.