The government”s irrigation rehabilitation and development programme is making significant progress across Mashonaland , with most projects reaching completion and farmers already benefiting from improved access to water production .

Funded through the Grain Levy , the initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen food security , boost agriculture productivity and reduce dependence on rainfall . As of September 1 2026 , four tranches of Grain Levy funds had been disbursed . With 90% channeled to the  Irrigation  Development  Fund  through AFC Land and Development Bank and 10% allocated to the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) for administration .

Latest project updates show that irrigation schemes in Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland West are nearing full completion , bringing hundreds of hectares under water supply .

Among the standout projects is the 52,5 hectare Chimhanda Irrigation Scheme in Mashonaland  Central , which has been completed and certified . Farmers are already using the facility to irrigate their crops , marking a major milestone in efforts to improve year round agricultural production .

The 25-hectare Musarurwa scheme and the 50-hectare Nyamangara project in Mashonaland West have also been completed and certified, with irrigation activities now underway at both sites.

At Dotito , a 45 hectare irrigation project has reached 99% completion . While minor works remain outstanding , the schem is effectively operational and farmers have already started irrigating their fields .

The largest project under the Mashonaland portfolio is the 120 hectare Mapano irrigation scheme . The project has reached 75 % completion , with installation works largely finalised . Processes related to electricity connections are also progressing after a quotation was received and shared with the relevant authorities .

In total , the five projects cover approximately 292.5 hectares , representing a significant investment in irrigation infrastructure aimed at strengthening agricultural output in the region .

The developments come at a time when irrigation is increasingly viewed as critical tool in building resilience against climate change and erratic rainfall patterns . Reliable water supply allows farmers to maintain production throughout the year , improve yields and diversify cropping activities .

For communities across Mashonaland , the  completion of these projects is expected to translate into higher agricultural production , improved household incomes and greater opportunities within agro -processing value chains .The progress also highlights the growing impact of the Grain Levy as a dedicated funding mechanism for agricultural infrastructure . With several schemes already operational and others nearing completion , the initiative is beginning to deliver tangible benefits on the ground , positioning irrigation as a key pillar in Zimbabwe’s drive towards sustainable agricultural growth and food security .