THE Centre for Conflict Management and Transformation (CCMT) has equipped irrigation farmers in Gweru district with conflict resolution skills in a bid to enhance production of agricultural products.
Speaking on the sidelines of a workshop to raise awareness of the Irrigable Areas (Control) Regulations, 2021 also known as Statutory Instrument (SI) 38 of 2021, CCMT project officer Blessing Mutoro said her organisation was working with eight irrigation schemes in the district.
She said the CCMT project covered eight irrigation schemes that included Insukamini, London, Mkoba, Mabodza, Mutorahuku, Mbembeswane, Mambanjeni and Shagari.
“We support irrigation farmers with knowledge and skills on conflict resolution, empowerment of women and youth in irrigation schemes,” Mutoro said.
She said the stakeholder meeting sought to unpack a new policy and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders to ensure that farmers can focus on maximising productivity rather than resolving conflicts.
CCMT works to transform ways in which societies deal with conflict through a sustainable dialogue approach.
Speaking at the same meeting, Midlands provincial irrigation engineer Shingi Zano said farmers should familiarise themselves with SI 38 of 2021 to improve productivity at irrigation schemes and enhance food security in the country.
“The SI should help farmers to have a peaceful environment at irrigation schemes and enhance productivity,” he said.
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CCMT works with 15 irrigation schemes in Midlands province and aims to minimise conflicts that emanate from implementing the SI.
Besides the eight irrigation schemes in Gweru district, CCMT also works with seven irrigation schemes in Mberengwa and these include Biri Extension, Biri Old, Vurasha, Chimwe-Chegato, Makuva, Zvavachari and Neta.
Since 2017 CCMT has been working with government and local authorities in Midlands province to deal with issues affecting functionality and productivity at irrigation schemes.
