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Trust Freddy recently in Chiredzi
Nearly 2 000 villagers in Chiredzi have received 37 200 chicks as part of the Government’s drought resilience-building programmes.
The programmes are aimed at providing a sustainable source of livelihood to those affected by the El Nino-induced dry season.
This timely intervention comes after traditional leaders from Chiredzi District sent distress calls to the Government and partners for food aid, highlighting the dire need for support in the region.
The programme, implemented in partnership with Mwenezi Development Training Centre (MDTC) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has benefited 1 860 villagers, with each receiving 20 chicks.
Beyond the donated chicks, villagers are now leveraging on solar-powered hatcheries installed in two wards to hatch their eggs.
Speaking to journalists recently during a tour of the project in Chiredzi, MDTC district coordinator Mr Chris Lambika said over 37 000 chicks had been distributed to augment Government efforts.
“We have distributed a total of 37 200 chicks to 1 860 farmers,” he said. “Nutritionally, they are getting the eggs from the chickens. They are also getting the income from the sale of eggs and from the sale of chickens.
“We are also linking these farmers with the markets, that is the private sector, so that they will continue to get income from the proceeds of selling the chickens.”
The resilience-building programme covered four wards including wards 10, 13, 14 and 15 in the district.
“We have four components under the programme. In the first year of 2022-23, the project was targeting about 1 000 farmers in those four wards. Between 2023 and 2024, we increased the number by 860, giving us a total of 1 860 people”.
“In that view, the resilience building component is about to respond to various stresses and shocks that are being brought about by the climate change issues, especially the current drought that is affecting the country,” he said.
He also emphasised that the Ministries of Agriculture and Women’s Affairs were the custodians of the project.
The Chiredzi Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) coordinator and water supply and sanitation chair Mr Sams Takaniza, gave assurance that the projects will flourish long-term, beyond MDTC’s involvement and subsequent Government takeover.
“The sustainability of projects handed over to communities of course are not destined to collapse but to be self-sustainable especially when MDTC leaves the areas they are working with Government stakeholders.
“In the first instance before projects are started Government and implementing partner reach out to the community to educate them as well as to let them know that, when such projects are brought to them they must take charge by accepting ownership,” he said.
According to Mr Takaniza, the demand for chickens remains high, exceeding the current group’s capacity to supply.
In an interview, Sarudzai Nyambo, a 42-year-old beneficiary from Nemanashe Village in Chiredzi South Ward 14, said she was planning to diversify her income streams by selling chickens and eggs.
“I am thrilled to now have 100 indigenous chicks,” she said. “I am optimistic about making a significant profit from selling chickens. I plan to sell each chicken for R150.
“I will generate income from egg sales and hatchings. Once the eggs hatch, I will sell the chicks since I will not be able to feed all the chickens. This way, I’ll maintain a manageable flock.”
Another beneficiary, Trydant Ndhlovu, from Phahlela village in Chiredzi District, hailed the hatchery’s efficiency.
“With a capacity to hatch 600 chicks every 21 days, our cluster of 250 members can easily access quality chicks.”
Online Reporter