Harare — Japan on Tuesday donated irrigation equipment and other items worth US$80 000 to co-operatives in Zvishavane with the aim of improving household food security.

A total of 1 100 people benefited from the donation, which was made at Chemhunguru Business Centre in Zvishavane, courtesy of a US$80 000 grant that Japan extended to its co-operating partner Africare.

The equipment includes 180 drip irrigation kits, 180 starter seed packs, 14 oil pressing machines, and 24 electric and 36 manual peanut butter mills.

Africare received the US$80 000 grant in November 2007 for the implementation of the Project for the Integrated Agricultural Development.

Handing over the equipment to the beneficiaries, deputy head of mission of the Embassy of Japan in Zimbabwe Mr Hideaki Harada emphasised the issue of ownership, stating that the equipment belonged to the beneficiaries and they should take care of it.

"Beneficiaries are required to make every effort to ensure that equipment is always well maintained, operational and fully utilised," Mr Harada said.

Beneficiaries were trained in the use and maintenance of the equipment, as well as in marketing and good farming practices. Africare runs its project for the integrated agricultural development in Gokwe South, Zvishavane and Shurugwi.

This will substantially improve household incomes.