A new challenge: Duncal Irrigation Scheme

Monday, 21 September 2009 12:31

ZDDT will be looking to assist the community surrounding Duncal Dam located in South West Zimbabwe.

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Members of the Zimbabwe Development Democracy Trust (ZDDT) team recently visited the Duncal Irrigation scheme in Sigola which is situated in Mzingwane District.  ZDDT undertook the tour as part of its Sebenzela iMzingwane’ initiative.

One of the many challenges facing the local people is Duncal Dam which is now heavily silted.  This in turn seriously reduces the amount of water available for irrigation at the near by scheme. Where there was once enough water to sustain the irrigation system, residents now only have enough to feed the plot holders livestock.

The second, and most costly challenge, is the lack of irrigation equipment which has been vandalized.  There is no water pump or piping and, as a result, irrigation reservoirs are empty and the canals have long since run dry.

In addition, crops that the community does manage to grow are at the mercy of pests due to the lack of chemicals.  The fencing has long since disappeared and stray cattle and goats are problematic, resulting in a serious reduction in crop yield.

The high cost of herbicides adds to the list of challenges and the plot thereby reducing efficiency.

This once thriving irrigation scheme which sustained the local community, particularly during droughts, is in desperate need of restoration.

Through implementing the principles of community self-help, a full recovery is possible!