Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
ZIMBABWE is turning to genomic technology to improve livestock productivity and accelerate efforts to transform the sector into a US$3,4 billion industry by 2030, with authorities saying science-based breeding decisions will be critical in increasing the value of each animal.
The technology, which uses DNA analysis to identify an animal’s genetic potential, parentage and production traits, is expected to complement traditional breeding methods by helping farmers make informed decisions on which animals to breed, retain or improve.
The adoption of genomics aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) thrust of promoting technology-driven agriculture, food security, climate resilience and innovation as part of efforts to transform the sector into a competitive commercial industry.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development Professor Obert Jiri said the adoption of genomics, digital technologies and data analytics would provide farmers with more accurate information to improve herd performance.
“Genomics, digital technologies and data analytics present a transformative opportunity to revolutionise how livestock producers understand their animals and make management decisions,” Prof Jiri said.
He was speaking during the Zimbabwe Genomic Pilot Insights Session held in Harare, where Kraal-Gen Analytics introduced AgBoost, an artificial intelligence-powered livestock genetics and herd analytics platform that is being applied in Africa for the first time.
The pilot involved 48 tissue samples collected from five cattle breeds — Mashona, Boran, Brahman, Simbra and Simmental — with genetic tests assessing potential across 17 production traits and verifying parentage.
Prof Jiri said the innovation comes as Government seeks to grow the national cattle herd from 5,7 million to 6,6 million by 2030, while increasing beef production from 123 000 tonnes to 176 000 tonnes.
“The key question is how do we improve the productivity, quality and economic value of each animal?” he said.
“The future of livestock development can only be measured by the value per head, not just the number of cattle.”
The livestock sector is expected to contribute at least US$3,4 billion towards the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2, which seeks to transform agriculture into a viable, competitive and resilient US$15,8 billion industry by 2030.
Prof Jiri said livestock remained a major economic asset, with more than 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s population depending on the sector for livelihoods.
He said genomic tools would allow farmers to identify superior animals earlier, accelerating genetic improvement while reducing the cost of maintaining underperforming animals.
United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont said AgBoost’s introduction in Zimbabwe represented a new phase of agricultural cooperation anchored on technology, trade and investment.
She said Zimbabwe’s livestock sector faced challenges including inbreeding and limited access to high-quality breeding stock, making innovations that improve herd resilience important.
“We are particularly thrilled that AgBoost, an American AI-powered livestock genetics and herd analytics platform, is making its very first appearance in Africa right here in Zimbabwe,” Ms Tremont said.
She said Zimbabwe’s imports of US bovine genetics had grown by 35 percent in 2026, reflecting increasing confidence in genetic technologies to strengthen the national herd.
Kraal-Gen Analytics managing director Ms Shamiso Masuka said the platform would enable farmers to combine genetic information with farm records to make better breeding decisions.
“We are bringing technology that allows farmers to make informed breeding decisions based on data and genetics,” she said.
For stud breeder Dr Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula, whose farm participated in the pilot, genomic technology provides insights that were previously unavailable to producers.
She said the technology could help farmers identify animals with desirable traits, including those linked to high-value beef products such as rib-eye.
“You can test for traits like rib-eye, which is a very expensive steak cut, and identify animals that have the potential to produce that trait,” Dr Ndhlukula said.
The introduction of genomic technology comes as Government implements a livestock recovery plan supported by a US$25 million livestock health and infrastructure facility aimed at improving animal health, productivity and commercialisation.
