I am Tambudzai Macheso (43) mother to five children from ward 10 (Chachacha) Shurugwi Rural District.

In 2019 ,l joined  a Self Help Group called Manera eBudiriro (ladder of success) that was formed  by Hand in Hand Zimbabwe. Together with other Manera eBudiriro members we   received a six-modular business development training that gave me a business mind. I saw an opportunity to venture and grow in   agricultural business  hence  l ended up joining  a local micro irrigation scheme in which l  was allocated a plot.

In July 2023, l received a loan from Hand in Hand Zimbabwe’s accelerator project and re-invested it in my  business by expanding my  back yard garden by fencing, drilling and mounting a solar-powered borehole and procuring and mounting a 5000 litre plastic water tank which immediately scaled up production.Now  l grow in season and out of season crops. I supply local market and mining communities . I  also took advantage of the Hand in Hand Zimbabwe  and Technoserve partnership to supply vegetables for a more rewarding export market.  I  now expect two (2) harvest of any particular crop per year thereby ensuring constant and increased revenue flows throughout the year. My  major crops are leafy vegetables, mealies, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, butter-nuts and green pepper.

I have managed to employ two (2) full time workers and hirefour (4) casual and seasonal workers. I  and her husband also provide labour as and when the need arises.

I am  also into fish farming and have stocked my fish-pond with  2000 tilapia fish which will be ready for harvesting soon .  In my  poultry business l have 150 chickens.

My goal is to have a sustainable all year round production cycle in all her income streams .