Korean-backed mega project takes root in Inyati Mine

**Lovemore Kadzura **
Post Reporter
THE US$2 million South Korean-funded Seamaul Undong Project is beginning to transform lives in Inyati Mine Village, Makoni District, where five Village Business Units (VBUs) have been established ahead of a major agricultural and agro-processing drive expected to create sustainable incomes for hundreds of rural households.
The project, also known as the New Village Movement, was introduced in Inyati Mine Village as a pilot initiative aimed at uplifting underdeveloped communities through increased agricultural production, value addition and investment in public infrastructure.
With the first phase now underway, villagers are finalising land preparations for the upcoming planting season, while plans are already in motion to establish processing factories next year that will turn locally produced crops into finished products.
The development is expected to benefit more than 500 villagers directly.
Makoni Rural District Council Ward Eight councillor, Councillor David Muzarabani, said excitement is building in the community as residents prepare to take advantage of what many view as a life-changing opportunity.
“We now have five fully established Village Business Units, and villagers are busy preparing land for planting. The units are equipped with solar-powered boreholes, water storage tanks and perimeter fencing. Each VBU has 100 direct beneficiaries. We are planning to grow crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, watermelons and maize. Initially, our produce will be sold within the community, while surplus harvests will be marketed in Headlands, Rusape, Macheke and Marondera,” he said.
Councillor Muzarabani said the project’s next phase will focus on value addition through the establishment of processing plants within the village.
“Next year, factories will be set up to enable villagers to process their produce locally and sell finished products. We are targeting ventures such as maize milling, tomato processing and oil pressing, among others.
“The arrival of this project has elevated the village from being merely consumers of goods to becoming producers and entrepreneurs. It is also restoring the spirit of cooperation within the community, with people working together towards a common goal. The income-generating opportunities created by the project will undoubtedly improve livelihoods,” he said.
Beyond boosting household incomes, the project is expected to build agricultural skills among villagers through demonstration plots managed by agronomists.
Councillor Muzarabani said the initiative differs from traditional donor-funded programmes because residents are actively involved in planning, implementation and management.
“This project is not designed to create dependency. Villagers are participating in every stage of implementation. The Village Business Units are also serving as demonstration centres where farmers receive practical training and apply the knowledge in their own fields.
“This will improve productivity across the ward and strengthen food security, especially after the challenges brought about by the El Niño-induced drought,” he said.
He added that the project is also encouraging diversification away from tobacco production, which has traditionally dominated the area.
“For many years, this community relied heavily on tobacco. However, the Village Business Units are encouraging greater focus on food crops. Tobacco production has had environmental consequences through the destruction of indigenous forests, so this shift is important.
“Sunflower production will also support livestock farming because sunflower cake, a by-product of oil extraction, is an excellent stock feed,” said Councillor Muzarabani.
The third phase of the project will focus on improving critical community infrastructure such as schools and health facilities.
“Schools will benefit from computers and other technologies to support e-learning, while other key infrastructure projects will be identified by the community,” he said.
Councillor Muzarabani said local leaders who visited South Korea last year witnessed first-hand how the Seamaul Undong model transformed rural communities in that country and are determined to replicate its success in Inyati Mine. “We are working closely together to ensure that this pilot project succeeds. We appreciate President Mnangagwa for facilitating this partnership and ensuring that our ward was selected to pioneer the programme. We are also deliberately involving women and youths so that they benefit from economic empowerment opportunities,” he said.
For many women in the community, the project represents a pathway to financial independence and improved household welfare.
Mrs Auxillia Muzvuzvu of Village 42, said preparations for planting are almost complete, with villagers expected to start sowing crops next week. “We are ready to begin planting. This project will empower women to become economically active and contribute meaningfully to household incomes. The days of relying solely on husbands for sustenance are coming to an end. These projects will help reduce poverty and improve food security. As women, we are already discussing plans to establish village savings clubs using proceeds from our agricultural activities,” she said.

Source: Korean-backed mega project takes root in Inyati Mine – herald

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