Zimbabwe: Primary school greenhouse generates US$2 500 per cycle for vulnerable learners

On Jun 25, 2026

A greenhouse horticulture project at Mutumba Primary School in Madziva, Shamva District, is generating more than US$2 500 per production cycle and directly funding school fees for vulnerable learners, in a development aimed at strengthening education support systems through school-based income generation.

The US$12 000 greenhouse, established under an initiative by SOS Children’s Villages, is producing tomatoes and cucumbers for local markets, with proceeds channelled towards supporting underprivileged learners at the school. School authorities say tomato production alone generates over US$2 000 per cycle, while cucumber harvests contribute at least US$500 per cycle, creating a steady income stream that is now sustaining 45 vulnerable learners.

The income is being used primarily to pay school fees and support other education-related needs, reducing the risk of school dropouts among children from disadvantaged households. Mutumba Primary School teacher Christopher Dzapasi said the greenhouse had evolved into a structured income-generating model that is directly impacting learners’ access to education.

“What we are seeing is a project that goes beyond food production. It is now a reliable support system that is keeping vulnerable learners in school through self-generated income,” he said. He said the greenhouse was also enhancing practical agricultural learning, as learners are exposed to modern farming techniques linked to irrigation and commercial production.