MIDDLEDRIFT- The Zanyokwe Irrigation Scheme, located in Middledrift, has been a focal point for agricultural development and poverty alleviation efforts. A recent Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) signing between the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Rural Development(CEIRD) and Zanyokwe Farmer Support Production Unit(Zanyokwe SPSU) highlights the positive impact of partnerships on the livelihoods and socioeconomic status of the farming community in this region.
The MoU signing ceremony took place on 2nd June 2025 at the Fort Cox Agricultural Training Center. This significant event marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to empower local farmers and promote agricultural development in the region.
The partnership aims to provide capacity-building services, including irrigation expertise, mechanization and machinery support to the New York irrigation scheme. This collaboration focuses on empowering local farmers, particularly the youth and promoting agricultural development in the region.
Fort Cox Principal and CEIRD Interim Chairperson Mkhululi Mankazana emphasized that, “The partnership has enabled us to provide critical support to local farmers, enhancing their productivity and competitiveness. We believe in giving priority to local growers and empowering the youth to take an active role in agriculture.”
CEIRD Interim Chairperson added, “We are excited about the potential of this partnership to drive agricultural development in our region. By working together, we have maximized the benefits of our mutual interests and created opportunities for our people.”
Key Aspects of the Partnership- Capacity building and training for local farmers- Irrigation expertise and mechanization services- Support for youth empowerment and entrepreneurship in agriculture- Collaboration on research, infrastructure development and student placement. Potential for increased production and market access for local farmersThe partnership is expected to have a significant impact on the local community, with benefits including increased production, job creation and economic growth.
In addition both parties remain committed to working together to achieve their goals and promote agricultural development in the region.
Despite the successes, challenges persist in the form of inadequate water management, poor crop production practices, and limited knowledge of irrigated crop production among farmers.
To address these issues, experts recommend; Farmer Training Programs, Implementing “back to basics” training programs in crop and irrigation water management to enhance farmers’ technical skills, Labour-Saving Technologies, Developing and promoting labour-saving production technologies to improve efficiency and productivity, Farm-Specific Fertiliser Recommendations, Establishing farm-specific fertiliser recommendations to optimize crop yields and reduce waste.
According to Zanyokwe Farmer Support Production Unit Chairperson Dr. Litha Matiwane, “Limited knowledge of irrigated crop production among farmers has been identified as one of the constraints to improved crop productivity.”
The partnership between CEIRD and Zanyokwe SPSU has the potential to drive agricultural development and promote economic growth in the region. By addressing the challenges and capitalizing on opportunities, this initiative can serve as a model for sustainable agricultural development and poverty alleviation in rural communities.
Photograph: supplied
Zuzile Mthembu
05 June 2025
