Weir Dams Bring Hope to Rural Communities Struggling with Water Scarcity in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe—In a transformative initiative led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Government of Zimbabwe, and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), rural communities in Zimbabwe are experiencing renewed hope as strategic weir dams are constructed to alleviate the ongoing water crisis. This initiative, part of the “Mitigating the Impact of Livestock Diseases in Zimbabwe” project, aims to address the severe water scarcity exacerbated by climate change.

The weir dams, meticulously planned and executed, are already making a tangible difference in communities like Jeqe Weir Dam in Umzingwane District, Matabeleland South Province. Timothy Maposa, a local resident, recalls the dire conditions before the dam’s construction: “Before we had this weir dam, we had a lot of challenges. Water was overflowing without being used, and after a few minutes or a few hours, we would have lost the water. Our animals had nowhere to drink water, and it was difficult for us to do our gardens and find water for long distances.”

The lack of reliable water sources hindered livestock and agricultural productivity and strained the community’s overall well-being. Khumbulani Chamboko, another resident, shared the hardships faced: “Our lifestyle was to have to travel long distances of up to six kilometres to find water, which caused our cattle to die because of thirst and hunger.”

In response to this crisis, FAO has spearheaded the construction of three weir dams in the Mberengwa, Chivi, and Umzingwane districts. These dams are designed to provide much-needed water for livestock, irrigation, and even fish farming. Timothy Maphosa highlights the anticipated benefits: “This weir dam will help our livestock, our cattle, to have water to drink. It will help us to embark on fish farming, as we’re going to put fish in the dam. We are also going to do irrigation and improve our crop production.”

The project’s impact extends beyond mere water access. Through the Cash for work initiative, it provides employment opportunities for community members, of which 53 per cent are women and youths. Participants engage in gathering locally available materials, excavating trenches, and constructing dam walls. Khumbulani Chamboko notes, “Our children are also working here. This has helped them have something of an income, and it’s keeping them away from drug abuse and stealing.”

Asalia Moyo, a community security officer at Jordan Weir Dam in Mberengwa District, underscores the importance of community involvement: “I am the one who is making sure that materials for the weir dam are safe and secure. This has greatly increased the sense of community ownership, as other community volunteers help me secure these things.”

The overarching goal of constructing these weir dams is to enhance food and nutrition security, promote climate resilience, and empower women and youth. FAO Project Coordinator, Felistas Ndhlovu, elaborates on the vision: “The weir dams will be used for community-based climate resilience and livelihood enhancement. This change in climate advocates for balanced planning while adapting to the new normal within the context of development.”

As the weir dams near completion, the community’s optimism grows. Timothy Maposa expresses his gratitude: “We are very happy. But for the construction of this weir dam, it will definitely help the community.” Khumbulani Chamboko adds, “We pray that the project will expand to other districts. The hope is that more communities will be able to break free from the shackles of water scarcity and thrive in the years ahead.”

This initiative is part of a broader effort by FAO, the Government of Zimbabwe, and USAID-BHA to construct and rehabilitate key infrastructure such as dip tanks, boreholes, and weir dams in districts including Chivi, Centenary (Muzarabani), Mount Darwin, Rushinga, Mudzi, Chirumanzu, Shurugwi, Mberengwa, Zvishavane, Insiza, and Umzingwane.