Tabudirira Satellite Prison, located in Mutoko District, Mashonaland East Province, has revived crop production through the establishment of two vegetable gardens aimed at improving inmate nutrition and reducing reliance on external food supplies.
The project, launched in March 2026, has seen inmates cultivate tomatoes, sugar loaf cabbage, okra and leafy vegetables despite persistent water shortages.
The initiative was spearheaded by Correctional Officer Grade One Blessed Nyamukondiwa after the station’s previous garden fell into disuse. He 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,” said Correctional Officer Grade One Blessed Nyamukondiwa.
“Community members donated tomato, cabbage, okra and leafy vegetable seedlings, enabling the rehabilitation of the gardens,” he said.
Officer-in-Charge of Mutoko Prison, Chief Correctional Officer Arlington Rwodzi, said, “The project would not only supplement inmates’ diets but also equip them with practical agricultural skills that could assist them upon reintegration into society.”
To support the project, inmates have been placed on a rotational watering schedule using the available borehole, while plans are underway to expand production and introduce drip irrigation to improve water efficiency.
Water shortages have long affected agricultural activities at Tabudirira Satellite Prison. The revival of the gardens marks the station’s first major crop production project since the previous garden ceased operating.
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