Boost for hatchery project

Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter

SENATOR Chief Mutasa has lent support to the Manicaland Women Empowerment Hatchery Project by donating four additional incubators, capable of hatching 2 000 eggs per cycle.

This significant contribution aims to bolster economic empowerment for women in remote areas of Mutasa District as the incubators will be strategically placed in areas such as Nyamukwarara and Chavhanga, where women face substantial barriers to economic empowerment.

Speaking during the launch at Kukwanisa Vocational Training Centre on Monday, Senator Chief Mutasa emphasised the importance of supporting initiatives that promote inclusive development.

“This initiative aligns perfectly with the ZANU PF Women’s League efforts to uplift rural women and fight poverty. Women in these remote areas have the drive and flexibility, they just need the tools. I am happy to be part of a programme that provides these tools,” he said, adding that the incubators will be handed over to women’s groups in hard-to-reach communities, where the potential for poultry farming is high, but untapped due to lack of equipment and training.

“We want our women to become serious poultry farmers. With consistent production, they can feed their families, earn income, and contribute to the local economy,” he said.

Senator Chief Mutasa also urged other traditional leaders and businesspeople to rally behind such empowerment initiatives to accelerate rural transformation.

The hatchery programme was officially launched by ZANU PF national secretary for Women Affairs, Cde Mabel Chinomona.
Cde Chinomona, who is also the Senate President, she said the project is meant to empower women through poultry farming and entrepreneurship as part of the Vision 2030 agenda.

“We need to work together, leaving no one and no place behind, which is why we are empowering women through this hatchery project. By 2030, everyone should be living in a middle-income economy,” said Cde Chinomona.

The main incubator unveiled at the launch can hatch up to 3 600 chicks every 21 days, and will benefit women’s groups across Manicaland.
Cde Chinomona said the ruling party had also distributed 5 000 chickens and 52 sewing machines to bolster women-led income-generating projects in the province.

“As women, you should have means to bring food to the table, and not just wait for the husband,” she said.

ZANU PF Manicaland Women’s League chairlady, Cde Dorothy Mabika described the hatchery project as a game-changer.

“This hatchery machine is a game-changer for our women in Manicaland. Let us remain united and make the most of this project. Together, we can achieve great things and improve our economic situation,” she said.

Defence Minister, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri donated 6 000kg of rice, 6 000kg of salt, 30 tonnes of wheat, 171 jackets, 80 trousers, bedspreads, curtains, and socks.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza said the empowerment projects are driving the country towards Vision 2030, and the province will monitor and evaluate the project’s progress. For many rural women in attendance, the project represented more than economic opportunity, but a lifeline.

Mrs Erina Mupunga (48), from Chavhanga Village said she has been surviving on subsistence farming, which has become increasingly unreliable due to erratic rains.

“For years, I have been surviving through selling tomatoes and vegetables, but climate change has made it unpredictable. With this poultry project, I know I can build something more stable. I can now think of sending my youngest child to school without stressing about school fees,” she said.

Mrs Martha Gwangwara (56), from Nyamukwarara said the project opens doors that have been shut for generations.

“I grew up in a family of poultry farmers, but never had access to modern technology like incubators. This project empowers us. It is no longer just about raising a few chickens, but running a business. My dream is to build a strong local poultry supply hub and employ other women,” she said.

To ensure the success of the programme, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development offered to train beneficiaries in poultry farming, financial literacy and business skills.

The hatchery project dovetails with the Second Republic’s thrust of inclusive economic development, and aligns with President Mnangagwa’s call to leave no one and no place behind.