Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube
A LONG-held dream of life after retirement is gradually taking shape in Gwambe village, Bulilima District, where former Zimbabwe Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Mabhed Ngulani Nkomo is transforming his rural homestead into a thriving business hub.
Mr Nkomo, who is also Ward 2 councillor under Bulilima Rural District Council, has invested in livestock and poultry projects that are fast becoming a source of inspiration — and livelihoods — for the local community.
At the centre of his venture are Boer goats and poultry, supported by a self-sustaining feed production system that aligns with the Government’s thrust to turn rural areas into viable rural industries.
“When I started working, I already had retirement in mind. I knew I would not retire in town. Since I am a rural person and love life here,” said Mr Nkomo.
“To retire without stress, I needed projects that would sustain me and farming has done exactly that.”
Mr Nkomo started his goat project with 50 females and two breeding bucks imported from South Africa. Through cross-breeding with local stock, the herd has since grown to over 200 goats.
To cut production costs — which he says can be as high as 80 percent when buying commercial feed — he grows his own fodder crops, supported by a privately built dam that supplies water throughout the year.
The crops include lab lab, lucerne, velvet beans, Bana grass, maize and sorghum, all processed at his homestead using a grinding mill to produce livestock feed.
“We produce most of our feed here. This makes the project sustainable. We are also venturing into chicken production on a larger scale and piggery is next,” he said.
Mr Nkomo has expanded his poultry project beyond local breeds to include Brahma, Orpington and Black Australorp, with plans to empower unemployed youths.
“I will be supplying chicks to local youths so that they can start their own projects. The piggery project will also include value addition — bacon, pork cuts and sausages — which will create more jobs,” he said.
The project has already created employment opportunities for villagers, who provide labour at various stages of production. The community has also availed additional land for fodder production, while Government has provided a demonstration plot for fodder trees.
In addition, Mr Nkomo said they assist surrounding schools by cutting grass for hay, which is later used as feed.
To protect his investment, he has installed security cameras, significantly reducing stock theft.
“I receive a lot of support from Government offices here, and I am excited to be part of projects that uplift rural communities. The late former Vice President, Dr Joshua Nkomo told us to farm if we want money and that is another inspiration,” he said.
