GREEN Fuel Zimbabwe has allocated 10% of its vast sugarcane land to the Chipinge community, ushering in a new era of empowerment and improved livelihoods for local villagers, a company official has said.
The company operates Chisumbanje and Middle Sabi Estates in Chipinge.
It is a leading ethanol producer, utilising sugarcane and other biomass to create sustainable energy solutions, reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy in Zimbabwe and regionally.
“We allocate 10% of our land under sugarcane to the community, which translates to 100 hectares out of every 1 000,” Green Fuel public relations officer Merit Rumema told NewsDay Farming on the sidelines of the Sadc Industrialisation Week in Harare this week.
“This benefits approximately 2000 families, with each family receiving 0,5 hectares of land. We have established irrigation schemes in almost every area bordering our estate, making Green Fuel the largest irrigation scheme in the country.
“We have also upgraded our technology to drip irrigation, which is water-conservative and reduces labour costs. Although it requires electricity, we cover the water and electricity bills for the community. This has led to higher yields and improved livelihoods for the farmers.”
Rumema said the company has also helped the community to venture into recycling and sewing as an income generating project.
“Our corporate social investments extend beyond irrigation schemes. We prioritise environmental sustainability and recycle everything possible. For instance, we recycle tyres to create fences, brick force and chicken mesh wire, providing income-generating opportunities for community members,” she said.
- Green Fuel transforms Chipinge community
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“Additionally, we have empowered local women to sew personal protective equipment for our employees, rather than outsourcing it to Harare. This project has created a sustainable income stream for women and ensures our employees have personal protective equipment.”
The company invests US$1 million in corporate social responsibility programmes annually.
It has invested in irrigation schemes to support the Chipinge community.
“This region is prone to drought and falls under agricultural region five, characterised by minimal rainfall. As a result, farmers often struggle to grow crops and our company has invested in irrigation schemes to support the community,” Rumema said.
She said the company will next month begin a school feeding scheme targeting students in surrounding areas to mitigate the impact of El Niño-induced drought.
“These initiatives are not always budgeted for, but we respond to needs as they arise, using our capacity to help. Approximately, three-quarters of our work involves responding to unexpected needs. However, not all expenses are projected, as some needs arise unexpectedly,” she said.
Green Fuel also runs a scholarship programme covering education costs for students, from early child development up to university level.
The company has taken the responsibility of refuelling ambulances at St Peter’s Mission Hospital in Checheche and road rehabilitation in the community, Rumema said.
