Mrs. Tshuma is among those to benefit from an irrigation project in the Zimbabwe community of Inkosikazi. The project has brought food security and created an economy where commercial farming was once non-existent.
Thousands of Zimbabwean families once plagued by drought and hunger now have a dramatically different outlook on life.
A World Vision irrigation project in Inkosikazi has given rise to several farming activities that were non-existent six years ago because of drought. Today, proper irrigation is helping meet the food needs of more than 2,800 households. The Tshuma family remembers what it was like to be chronically hungry. Today, however, food is plentiful.
"I do remember a time in the past when we would go hungry," says Patience, 11. "But since [the irrigation project] was set up, hunger is a thing of the past. I don’t think my youngest brother Maxwell (3 months) will know what hunger is."
Families working together in the fields share a common goal – more nutritious food for their children – and this gives them a sense of ownership over their future. A great spirit of co-operation also helps ensure that the poorest and most vulnerable families benefit. Plot holders contribute part of their harvests to meet the needs of 18 child-headed households, widows, and widowers.
"There is no way that we can starve since the establishment of this irrigation scheme here," Feluna Khumalo says. "My eight grandchildren that are under my care are now healthier compared to six years ago when malnutrition was a big problem."
