Like many families in the community, Saliwe watched an entire generation grow up while the scheme remained idle. Her eldest son, who was just five years old when the scheme was established, is now 36 years old.
"The wait was worth it; this new development has brought back our hope for a food-secure community."
 

Today, she walks through lush green fields where crops are thriving under reliable irrigation.
"Now everything is different. We have water, we are learning better farming methods, and we can plan our farming with confidence. We are no longer farming just to survive; we are farming to improve our lives."
She believes the project has restored dignity as much as it has restored agricultural production.
"Our children are seeing that farming can provide a future. We are producing food for our families, and soon we will be selling more produce to earn an income."

Young People Seeing Agriculture Differently

For 22-year-old farmer Memory Maronga, Farai Irrigation Scheme has transformed the way she views agriculture.
"Many young people think farming is too risky because it depends on rainfall," she says. "Now we have reliable irrigation, and we are learning modern farming techniques. It has shown me that agriculture can become a real business."
Memory says the practical learning provided through the Farmer Field School has given her the confidence to embrace innovation.
"We learn together, observe together and solve problems together. That gives us confidence because we understand why certain practices work."
She hopes to expand her production while inspiring more young women to view agriculture as a viable livelihood.
"I want young women to know that agriculture offers opportunities. If we have water, knowledge and commitment, we can build successful businesses through farming."
Women Leading the Way
Women are at the forefront of Farai Irrigation Scheme's revival. Of the scheme's 203 beneficiaries, 112 are women, many of whom are playing active roles in production, decision-making and the management of the scheme.

Their consistent participation in Farmer Field School sessions has strengthened knowledge sharing, collaboration and accountability, while encouraging wider adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices across the scheme.

As women gain greater access to productive resources, technical knowledge and reliable irrigation, they are improving household food security, enhancing livelihoods and demonstrating the transformative impact of empowering women in agriculture.

A New Chapter for Farai

The revitalisation of Farai Irrigation Scheme is about more than restoring infrastructure. It is about creating the conditions for farming families to build resilient livelihoods in the face of a changing climate.
Reliable irrigation has unlocked the productive potential of 27 hectares of land, while the Farmer Field School approach is equipping farmers with the knowledge and confidence to adopt climate-smart agricultural practices. Women are taking on leadership roles within the scheme, and young people are beginning to see agriculture as a viable and rewarding livelihood.
Although the 203 beneficiaries are still awaiting their first harvest, the healthy stands of wheat, maize and sugar beans are an encouraging sign of what lies ahead. They reflect the potential of combining climate-resilient infrastructure, practical knowledge and strong community ownership to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen resilience.
For farmers like Saliwe Khumbula and Memory Maronga, Farai Irrigation Scheme is no longer defined by unrealised potential. Instead, it represents a new beginning, one built on hope, opportunity and the confidence that, with reliable water and the right support, farming can provide a more secure future for generations to come.