Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have handed over 14 rehabilitated irrigation schemes to 1’519 smallholder farmers in Masvingo Province in Zimbabwe.
This marks the conclusion of the Smallholder Irrigation Programme (SIP) which was funded by the SDC to the tune of CHF 6 million (USD 6 million) and implemented since December 2014.
The official handover of the last outstanding scheme – Stanmore B Irrigation Scheme was done at a colourful ceremony at Stanmore B Irrigation scheme in Masvingo District on 17 May 2019. Stanmore B rehabilitated under the SIP has been transformed from a deserted state to being one of the best in the country. Stanmore B won the first prize of the best irrigation Scheme in Zimbabwe during the Small National Irrigation competitions held in 2018.