The Smallholder Irrigation Revitalisation Programme recently trained 127 youths at Romsley Irrigation Scheme in Rusape, Manicaland. The youths comprised 118 males and 9 females. Out of the group, 64 were trained in canal construction and brick laying while 63 were trained in electrical and solar installations. The programme was facilitated by the Zimbabwe Irrigation Technology Centre, an institution under the Department of Irrigation.
The programme trained a total of 524 youths since its inception 2017 in various vocational courses aimed at ensuring sustainability in the operation of irrigation schemes after the completion of the project. The youths are being trained under Component 1 of the programme which focuses on Irrigation and irrigation development. The group comprised 390 males and 134 females. 286 youths were trained on bricklaying and canal construction. The training is meant to ensure that communities are able to maintain the schemes after the completion of the revitalization program, while also providing improved livelihoods, employment and entrepreneurship for the youth.