by Ronny Zikhali

TO many villagers, it takes large sums of money, large herds of cattle and vast knowledge for one to become a strong communal farmer.
However, this is not the case with Mrs Chithekile Khupe (47) of Inkosikazi Village in Bubi District.
Mrs Khupe is now one of the shinning communal farmers who rose from dusts to be a respectable individual among the Inkosikazi Villagers.
She is a household head of four children who are pursuing their education at local schools in the district.
A visit by to her homestead last week revealed that it was fast growing to be the better if not the best home headed by a woman.
Mrs Khuphe was deserted by her husband.
In an interview, Mrs Khupe said she was very happy that she has become one of the most prosperous individuals in the community.
She said this had gained her respect from other community members and a pillar of strength for them through her animals.
“If I tell you my history you will be shocked. Everyone in this community can testify that my homestead was the worst among them all. We had no draught power for farming and we used to struggle such that we were using modest implements it was tiring.
“At times some of the good villagers would come to our rescue by ploughing for us but that was normally after they had finished ploughing their fields and by then the rains would be nearing end,” said Mrs Khupe.
Mrs Khupe said things worsened when her husband disserted her leaving the entire family burden upon her shoulders.
“My husband disserted us in 1998 and I thought it was the end of our existence. Ironically, I got the assistance from the local authorities to get a loan in the form of a heifer from World Vision Zimbabwe. I managed to pay back the loan in 1999. As for now my cows have multiplied to a total of eight,” she said.
Mrs Khupe was among the beneficiaries of heifer loan, which was unveiled by World Vision in 1998.
A total of 90 heifers were distributed among needy villagers.
Mrs Khupe said she was now an independent woman able to fend for her family through farming which has become her vocation.
“I have great dreams. I want to be one of the successful small scale farmers in the province because I believe it takes courage and determination for one to achieve,” said Mrs. Khupe proudly showing off her animals.
Mrs Khupe said she has successfully managed to defeat poverty, arguing that with the cows that she has she would continue producing nutritious food for her family.
“I now feel empowered as a result of the project. The heads of cattle have been instrumental in improving draught power availability. This has enabled me to cultivate a larger piece of land hence contribute to improved yields and food security for my family,” said Mrs Khupe.
The farmer proudly declared that her cows has improved the family’s nutritious status arguing that milk and meat were a rare diet in the past but now they were happy that could eat them.
Mrs Khupe revealed to this paper that her future hopes were to establish a nutritious garden which would be supported by either a borehole or a well.
“I have hopes that with help of other villagers and community leaders I would be able to take good care of my live stocks,” she said.
According to a local Agritex officer who declined to be named, the Agritex department has stood as pillar to Mrs Khupe by giving her assistance on how to protect her animals from diseases.
“She is a dedicated woman who is growing strong and she is a hard worker. Recently we advised her to sell one of her beasts so that she can buy chemicals and injectables to prevent her animals from critical diseases such as anthrax and black leg,” said an official.
In an interview, World Vision Area Development Manager Mr Chrispo Chikanda said as Non-Governmental Organisation they complemented governments’ efforts in improving the livelihoods of villagers.
“Our aim is to partner Government in all sectors that have direct impact to villagers. We are now satisfied about what we have done,” said Mr Chikanda.
Another neighbour, Mr Fundani Mpofu confirmed that Mrs. Khupe was a hard worker who was dedicated to improve her life.
“She is now an inspirational to everyone due to her dedication. She is now in a position to assist other villagers with her cows for draught power,” said Mr Mpofu.