Chisumbanje, Zimbabwe – In one of Zimbabwe’s driest regions, a bold agricultural transformation is underway. Green Fuel, known for its clean bioethanol production, is also redefining rural development through an ambitious land and water initiative aimed at building climate resilience, ensuring food security, and promoting inclusive farming.
Empowering Farmers Through Irrigation
As part of its long-term commitment to sustainable development, Green Fuel recently handed over 220 newly irrigated plots to smallholder farmers in Chisumbanje. Each 0.5-hectare plot is fully equipped with inputs such as fertiliser and seed—standard practice during new scheme launches. Beneficiaries also receive expert technical support, enabling them to cultivate up to three profitable crops per year.
The handover forms part of Green Fuel’s pledge to allocate 10% of all sugarcane development land to local communities for productive use—strengthening food production, boosting incomes, and building climate resilience in one of the country’s most vulnerable areas.
A Model for Climate-Smart Agriculture
To date, the company has developed 1,300 hectares of irrigated land for smallholder food production, directly benefiting more than 2,300 families. This complements 700 hectares farmed by sugarcane outgrowers, who supply Green Fuel’s bioethanol plant and gain access to critical inputs, training, and guaranteed markets.
This integrated model of agri-energy development demonstrates how renewable energy and rural livelihoods can be advanced in tandem. The food plots support crops like maize, beans, and various horticultural produce—enhancing both household nutrition and income.
At the heart of this model is Green Fuel’s WaterWise farming philosophy, which promotes efficient water use, conservation tillage, precision irrigation, and long-term sustainability of soil and water infrastructure.
Technology Boosts Yields and Sustainability
In collaboration with Netafim, a global leader in irrigation technology, Green Fuel has equipped over 300 smallholder farmers with drip irrigation systems. The impact has been dramatic: maize yields have increased from 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes per plot, with plans to expand another 182 hectares under this system.
Importantly, all irrigation water is pumped and maintained by Green Fuel at no cost to the farmers, ensuring a reliable water supply in a region plagued by erratic rainfall.
Restoring Infrastructure and Expanding Access
Beyond Chisumbanje, Green Fuel is restoring critical irrigation infrastructure in areas like Middle Sabi and Mutandahwe. The company has rehabilitated canals, pumping stations, and boreholes—bringing 1,700 hectares of farmland back into production across 18 community irrigation schemes, benefiting over 2,300 farmers, including 78 A2 and 48 A1 commercial producers.
A dedicated in-house water engineering department, fully funded by Green Fuel, ensures the daily operation and long-term viability of all these schemes.
New Markets, New Opportunities
The ripple effects of this investment are already visible. Some farmers have transitioned to commercial banana production under contract with local agribusiness Matanuska, demonstrating how secure land access and reliable irrigation can unlock high-value crop markets and uplift entire communities.
A Blueprint for Sustainable Rural Development
Green Fuel’s investments go far beyond fuel—they align with global development goals such as zero hunger, access to clean water, climate action, and sustainable energy. By merging food production with clean energy generation, the company offers a holistic and replicable model for rural development in climate-vulnerable regions.
In a time when rural communities are most threatened by climate variability, Green Fuel’s WaterWise approach shows what’s possible when private enterprise partners with local farmers to create resilient, prosperous agricultural systems—one irrigated plot at a time.
