CHIMANIMANI The poor road network in Rusitu has affected farming as producers struggle to transport their produce to the nearest market. (Pictured: Popular activities in the area include vegetable production.)
Farmers interviewed by The Zimbabwean said they would push the Chimanimani Rural District Council and government to improve access in the area.
They blamed the incumbent Member of Parliament, Samuel Undenge of Zanu (PF), for not doing much to improve the wellbeing of the constituency.
Ever since we elected this man into office he never turned back to fulfil his promises, among them rehabilitation of poor road network. As you can see the roads into the constituency are in a very poor state, said an irate farmer who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Farmers said the poor state of roads had forced transport operators to shun the area.
We are finding it difficult to operate viably because we are forced to look for alternative routes that are more expensive, said Taurai Mapara, a horticulture producer in the area.
Popular activities in the area include vegetable and tea production and nearby Mutare is a lucrative market for their produce. Some unscrupulous business operators from the city take advantage of the plight of the farmers to buy produce at low prices.
The Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT), which deals with integrated rural development programme for food security, said farmers must have a direct access to markets.
They have introduced indigenous vegetable farming that adapt to effects of climate change and add nutritional value to people living with HIV in the area.
Post published in: News