Ntengwe For Community Development

We are pleased to share new visuals from Lupane, where the Value Addition Programme continues to deepen its impact at community level.

With technical guidance from AGRITEX, farmers are moving beyond chilli production into a broader mix of high-value crops such as turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and rosemary, strengthening local supply for chilli sauce processing and supporting a more integrated production system.

Alongside production, communities are actively restoring ecosystems and improving nutrition through fruit tree planting and diversified household crops.

What is taking shape in Lupane is a more connected agricultural system — where skills transfer, diversification, and local participation are building stronger, more resilient rural economies.

A big thank you to , , Women Affairs, and KRDC (Lupane Councillor).

Together, we are cultivating growth, empowerment, and sustainable futures.

Building on the momentum of the chilli farming initiative, communities in Kasibi, Lukosi, and Lupane are now taking deliberate steps toward strengthening local value addition and long-term sustainability. Farmers have expanded production to include turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and rosemary -key ingredients required for chilli sauce processing within the Value Addition Program.

This diversification marks an important shift from primary production toward a more integrated community-led agricultural model, one that not only supports income generation but also enhances local participation across the value chain. Through collective effort, community gardens are evolving into hubs of innovation, resilience, and shared economic opportunity.

In parallel with crop production, community members have also invested in environmental restoration and household nutrition through the planting of lemon, mango, banana, sugarcane, and mabross trees. These efforts contribute to replacing lost vegetation while promoting sustainable food systems and improving nutritional access for families within the communities.

What is emerging across these gardens is more than agricultural activity, it is a growing culture of ownership, collaboration, and sustainable development. By combining livelihood creation, environmental stewardship, and community participation, the project continues to strengthen resilience and build a foundation for long-term impact.

From all of us at Ntengwe - Happy Mother's day!

Last week brought a renewed sense of purpose to the communities of Kasibi and Lukosi. Under the warm sun, farmers gathered on the remaining plot of land, their hands working steadily as they planted rows of chilli seedlings. It was more than just another farming activity, it was a shared commitment to growth, resilience, and a better future.

In Kasibi, the spirit of cooperation was especially strong. The farmers, recognizing the importance of improving their environment, came together and contributed nearly $120 toward the purchase of bricks. These bricks would soon be used to construct two latrines, a development that promised to significantly improve sanitation for everyone involved in the garden project.

The effort went beyond agriculture. It reflected a deeper understanding that a healthy community depends not only on what is grown in the soil, but also on the conditions in which people live and work. As the chilli plants took root in both Kasibi and Lukosi, so too did a stronger sense of unity and shared responsibility.

What started as an agricultural project became a symbol of progress, where teamwork, small contributions, and collective vision were shaping a cleaner, healthier, and more hopeful future for all the garden members.

The Kasibi community in Matetsi is celebrating after the successful installation and solarisation of a borehole, together with a 10,000-litre water tank. The project is already making a difference in their daily farming activities, especially for vegetable gardens such as chilli production.

For a long time, the community faced challenges with water access, which affected their farming. With the new water system in place, farmers are now able to irrigate their crops more easily and regularly.

One of the garden leaders, Mr. Weza, appreciated the teamwork within the community and thanked Ntengwe for supporting the project. He said the water supply has helped solve many of their farming difficulties and has improved their outlook for the season ahead.

He added that with reliable water now available, they expect better yields and improved productivity from their gardens. The community is looking forward to better harvests and future benefits from the project.

The new system is expected to strengthen food production and support livelihoods in Kasibi going forward.

Work is underway on the fencing of three Chilli gardens in Lupane, two in Sothale Ward and one in Chimwala, as part of the Value Addition Program in Lupane and Victoria Falls. Despite challenges brought on by the rains, progress continues with strong momentum.

What stands out most is the incredible community spirit. Participation is high, especially among women, who are actively involved and committed to the success of the project. Even during this busy harvest season, they continue to show up, demonstrating true dedication and resilience.

The community is eagerly looking forward to the completion of the fencing of the Chilli gardens. Their sense of ownership is clear; they are not just beneficiaries but hands-on contributors driving the project forward.

We extend our sincere appreciation to for providing practical, hands-on guidance in transplanting, crop management, and efficient water use-support that is empowering farmers to fully benefit from improved seedlings. We are also grateful for the ongoing collaboration and support from our valued partners , Affairs, and (Lupane Councillor).

This effort is a powerful example of how communities are working together to strengthen livelihoods and create lasting change. Stay tuned here for more updates. Together, we are cultivating growth, empowerment, and sustainable futures.

Just a fortnight ago, the people of Kasibi Village gathered to reflect on the challenges shaping their daily lives and to seek solutions from within their own community. Today, that shared vision is already becoming a reality.

A borehole has now been successfully drilled, bringing renewed hope and improved access to clean, reliable water. Even more promising, solarisation will be completed this week, ensuring a sustainable, long-term water solution for everyone.

This milestone is more than just infrastructure; it is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities and partners unite around a common purpose. The journey continues, but Kasibi is moving steadily toward a healthier, more resilient future.

With clean water closer to home, long and exhausting journeys in search of it will soon be a thing of the past. Gardens will flourish and daily life will be eased. A big thank you to all our partners and collaborators.

Happy Easter, everyone!

Wishing you all a day filled with joy, love, and beautiful moments with family and friends. May this Easter bring you peace and happiness.

Recently we distributed 22,000 chilli seedlings to farmers in Sothani and Chimwara (lupane), an exciting step toward boosting livelihoods and strengthening community resilience.

These chilli seedlings are a key input for the Value Addition Program in Lupane and Victoria Falls. Women in the community are taking the lead, working in groups within their local gardens to nurture the crop from planting to harvest. Once ready, the chillies will be delivered to the Lupane Chilli Hub for processing, creating even more value and income opportunities.

The distribution and training activities, carried out earlier this week on Tuesday and Wednesday, have sparked excitement among farmers, who are now looking forward to a successful and bountiful chilli harvest.

A big thank you to for the valuable hands-on demonstration on transplanting, crop care, and water management. Your expertise is helping farmers make the most of these high-quality seedlings. We also appreciate the continued support from our partners , Affairs, and (Lupane Councillor).

Together, we are cultivating growth, empowerment, and sustainable futures.

Last week in Kasibi Village, a community-led situational analysis brought people together to share their experiences and identify key challenges affecting their daily lives, including human-wildlife conflict, water stress, human and livestock diseases, floods, and hunger. The discussions also explored coping mechanisms for each hazard, allowing the community to reflect on their strengths and capacity to overcome these difficulties. The needs assessment created a space for learning, collaboration, and empowerment, helping community members better understand their resilience and areas that require support. Notably, the youth actively participated and demonstrated a strong interest in contributing to the development of their community, highlighting hope for sustainable, community-driven solutions. Many thanks to our partners and collaborators.