Tabudirira Prison revives vegetable gardens to boost inmate food security in Mutoko

Tabudirira Prison revives vegetable gardens to boost inmate food security in Mutoko

For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups

Tabudirira Satellite Prison in Mutoko District has revived crop production after establishing two vegetable gardens aimed at improving inmate nutrition and cutting reliance on external food supplies.

The project, launched in March 2026, has involved inmates growing tomatoes, sugar loaf cabbage, okra and leafy vegetables, despite persistent water shortages that have historically affected agricultural activities at the station.

The initiative was led by Correctional Officer Grade One Blessed Nyamukondiwa, who moved to restart food production after the prison’s previous garden fell into disuse. Nyamukondiwa sourced seeds and seedlings from surrounding communities and mobilised five inmates to establish and maintain the gardens.

“The inmates were no longer benefiting from the old garden, so I approached community members for assistance with seedlings and seeds. Their response was overwhelming and encouraging,” Nyamukondiwa said.

He added: “Community members donated tomato, cabbage, okra and leafy vegetable seedlings, enabling the rehabilitation of the gardens.”

Officer-in-Charge of Mutoko Prison, Chief Correctional Officer Arlington Rwodzi, said the project is expected to improve diets while also providing inmates with skills that can be used after release.

“The project would not only supplement inmates’ diets but also equip them with practical agricultural skills that could assist them upon reintegration into society,” Rwodzi said.

To Advertise Inbox Us

To keep the gardens productive, inmates have been put on a rotational watering schedule using the available borehole, while plans are being developed to expand production and introduce drip irrigation to improve water efficiency.

Water constraints have been a long-running challenge for agricultural work at Tabudirira Satellite Prison. Officials said the new gardens represent the station’s first major crop production project since the previous garden stopped operating.

The development is likely to draw interest in correctional agriculture and food security projects, as prisons across Zimbabwe increasingly look to self-sustaining initiatives to improve nutrition, reduce costs and support rehabilitation through practical training.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel for all the News from Mashonaland Central – Bindura, Mbire, Guruve, Mount Darwin, Rushinga, Shamva, Mazowe & Muzarabani