THE Centre for Conflict Management and Transformation (CCMT) has moved to resolve conflicts at irrigation schemes in the Midlands province by raising awareness of the Irrigable Areas (Control) Regulations, 2021 also known as Statutory Instrument (SI) 38 of 2021 in a bid to enhance productivity and food security at the irrigation projects.
The SI gives prominence to irrigation agencies such as Ministries of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Local Government and Public Works as well as Finance and Economic Development which are key stakeholders in supporting irrigation development.
According to CCMT, most irrigation farmers are unaware of the new regulations and the roles played by these government entities at irrigation schemes.
CCMT project officer Blessed Mutoro said meetings and monitoring visits at irrigation schemes revealed that farmers were unaware of the new policy and the role played by irrigation managers and extension officers.
“Our stakeholder meetings seek to unpack the new policy and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders to ensure that farmers can focus on maximising productivity rather than resolving conflicts,” Mutoro said in Gweru recently.
CCMT organised stakeholder engagement meetings to raise awareness on SI 38 of 2021.
The organisation works with at least 14 irrigation schemes in the province as it strives to minimise conflicts that emanate from the implementation of the statutory instrument.
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