Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
IN groundbreaking move to empower rural women and transform local agriculture, the Nyahunure Community Organisation (NCO), in partnership with Christian Aid and the In Their Lifetime (ITL) funding initiative, will officially launch the Women Dairy Business Hubs in Mudzi District on Thursday.
The event, set for Sajen Women Dairy Business Hub in Ward 9, is the culmination of the Women Economic Empowerment – Mother’s Cow (Mombe YaAmai) project.
The initiative aims to boost economic opportunities for women by strengthening their role in livestock ownership and dairy production—traditionally male-dominated spheres.
Inspired by the customary practice of gifting a “mother’s cow”, the Mombe YaAmai project has expanded the meaning of livestock inheritance, giving women direct ownership and control over dairy enterprises outside of dowry negotiations.
The project targets 3 000 smallholder farmers—60 percent of whom are women—across five wards in Mudzi District.
At the heart of the initiative are two newly constructed 4-hectare Women Dairy Business Hubs in Sajeni (Ward 9) and Chaku (Ward 3), each comprising around 25 women members. The hubs are equipped with modern infrastructure, including secure fencing, water systems, cactus plots, paddocks, a milking parlour, Star Link internet, and improved dairy breeds.
Officials said the business hubs were not just about boosting milk production, they were designed to build women’s skills in agribusiness management, decision-making, and value chain development.
The project includes technical training, gender action learning, and governance workshops to help women commercialise their operations and close gender gaps in agriculture.
“This project is a transformative opportunity for us and the women in our community,” said Francis Pawandiwa, Director of Nyahunure Community Organisation.
“By localizing business investments, we are supporting women entrepreneurs and strengthening the local economy. Empowering women leads to stronger, more resilient communities, and we are proud to be part of this initiative.”
Aulline Chapisa, Country Director of Christian Aid, emphasized the broader significance:
“We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of the Women Dairy Business Hubs through ITL support. This initiative is a significant step forward for women in Mudzi District. By providing resources and training, we are fostering economic independence and building sustainable livelihoods for rural families.”
The launch will bring together key stakeholders from Government line ministries, the private sector—including fodder seed suppliers, research institutions, veterinary suppliers, feed suppliers, farmers association—as well as community leaders and the media. The day’s programme will feature speeches, success stories, and a showcase of the women’s achievements.
“This launch is not just a celebration, but a call to action,” said Pepukai Muchazondida Svinurai, Christian Aid’s Senior Programmes Officer for Climate Adaptation and Resilience.
“We invite all community members, partners, and stakeholders to witness this milestone and reaffirm our shared commitment to women’s empowerment and sustainable rural development.”
This Thursday’s launch stands as a beacon of hope and progress for rural women, charting a new path for community-driven economic growth in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
Online Reporter