Key steps in the development of community gardens using limited groundwater resources

Shortage of water is the main problem reported by communities living in southern Zimbabwe. Rainfall is erratic and unreliable and the area is prone to drought. In Masvingo Province, there is a recorded density of only one water point per 17 square kilometers. Of these, 40 per cent are known to fail during drought. For some communities the priority is for a cleaner and more reliable source of domestic water. For many it is for sufficient water to allow vegetables to be grown. There is a tradition of gardening and a need for water and vegetables in this region upon which development of community gardens using groundwater can build.

A workshop paper on how rural communities in drought prone Zimbabwean districts can harness ground water for their market -gardening activities.