Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
Agric4She Patron, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has implored Zimbabwean women to move beyond subsistence and backyard farming and embrace commercial agriculture, saying the sector offers vast opportunities for wealth creation, food security and national economic transformation.
Dr Mnangagwa said women should not limit themselves to producing for household consumption but should venture into high-value agricultural enterprises, including pedigree livestock breeding, value addition and agribusiness, where they can compete on equal footing with men.
The First Lady made the remarks yesterday while officially opening the 58th National Breed Sale at CC Sales in Mt Hampden, where, in a first for the event, she was invited by organisers in recognition of her commitment to empowering women and expanding their participation in agriculture, and urged them to pursue farming as a business.
The annual National Breed Sale brought together pedigree livestock breeders, commercial and communal women farmers, buyers and industry stakeholders, providing a strategic business platform for marketing superior breeding stock, attracting investment and strengthening linkages across Zimbabwe’s livestock value chain.
Before the auction, Dr Mnangagwa started with a tour of various exhibition stands by livestock value chain stakeholders, where she commended exhibitors for embracing value addition and innovation.
The First Lady also inspected livestock on display, interacting with breeders as they showcased superior genetics and modern production systems.
Officiating at the 58th National Breed Sale at CC Sales in Mt Hampden, the First Lady urged women to seize opportunities across Zimbabwe’s agricultural value chain, saying their increased participation in commercial farming would strengthen families, improve livelihoods and contribute to national economic growth.
Dr Mnangagwa said women should move beyond traditional roles and actively participate in livestock ownership, production and agribusiness.
The Agric4She Patron said women had demonstrated their capacity to drive development across sectors and should take advantage of opportunities in agriculture to build sustainable enterprises.
“Women, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities. Development has been brought to your doorstep and no woman should be left behind. Everyone has an opportunity to start a business regardless of age,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said she was encouraged that livestock sales were inclusive, providing opportunities for women, young people and all those interested in investing in the sector.
“Even those with limited knowledge can come here and receive training in livestock breeding and herd management. I encourage our young people to take full advantage of programmes such as the Presidential Livestock Schemes.
“Those who have already received livestock should come here to improve the quality of their breeds, increase productivity and grow their enterprises. This is where sustainable wealth creation begins,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said women were equally capable and strong competitors in agriculture, urging them to seize the opportunities created under the Second Republic and demonstrate their ability to generate wealth for their families.
She said women remained respectful of their husbands while playing a greater role in agricultural production, adding that the income they earned was often channelled towards the upkeep of their families, meeting household needs and improving livelihoods.
Dr Mnangagwa said livestock offered women opportunities to generate income through the sale of animals and other products while contributing to household food security, education and improved living standards.
“When women actively participate in development projects, families prosper, communities flourish and the nation becomes stronger,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa encouraged commercial farmers and pedigree breeders to partner with smallholder farmers by sharing knowledge, skills and expertise to improve the quality of Zimbabwe’s national herd.
She said improved genetics should benefit farmers across the country through training, animal health support and artificial insemination programmes.
“Pedigree breeders do not just sell animals. They work to improve the quality of our national herd by selecting animals that grow well, stay healthy and raise strong calves,” she said.
The First Lady said agriculture was also opening opportunities in tourism and gastronomy, with women playing a key role in promoting traditional grains, indigenous foods and rural enterprises.
“Livestock production is not only about rearing animals. It creates opportunities throughout the value chain. Markets such as these supply hotels, restaurants and the tourism industry. Women are becoming producers, traders, processors and entrepreneurs. Together, we are building a vibrant business community that uplifts and supports one another,” she said.
The Agric4She Patron said the Second Republic, led by President Dr Mnangagwa, had created an enabling environment for women and young people to participate meaningfully in national development.
She encouraged young people to utilise programmes such as the Presidential Livestock Schemes, saying livestock investment offered a pathway to sustainable wealth creation.
Dr Mnangagwa said women across Zimbabwe should reflect on their role in transforming their homes and working together as families.
“Whenever women actively participate in development projects, families prosper, communities flourish and the nation becomes stronger. We strengthen the family unit by ensuring there is food on the table. Where there is food, there is peace, unity and dignity.
“Families are able to sit together, discuss their future and plan for a better tomorrow. That is why the mother occupies such an important place in every household, every village and, indeed, the entire nation,” she said. The First Lady urged communities to promote productive activities as part of efforts to combat drug and substance abuse.
“As we encourage entrepreneurship, we are also saying no to drugs and substance abuse. Young people must embrace programmes that promote hard work, self-reliance and dignified livelihoods,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa saluted breeders, farmers, buyers and stakeholders for their dedication to strengthening Zimbabwe’s livestock sector, saying their commitment was improving the quality of the national herd and transforming livelihoods.
She commended the breeders who brought the elite animals to the sale, the Zimbabwean group that made the event possible, and breed societies for maintaining records critical to livestock development.
The First Lady said their hard work, care and pride in livestock production were turning quality animals into healthier herds, increased productivity and stronger livelihoods for families across the country.
The commercial significance of the event was reflected in the auction ring, where buyers competed for superior breeding stock.
The sale opened with sheep, with the highest-priced Dorper ram selling for US$1 500, while one of the day’s highlights was a pedigree bull that fetched US$17 000, underscoring the growing demand for quality genetics.
CC Sales Managing Director Mr Kevin Higgins said Dr Mnangagwa’s continued support had strengthened initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in agriculture while enhancing Zimbabwe’s agricultural value chain.
He said the presence and support of the First Lady had been instrumental in advancing initiatives that strengthen Zimbabwe’s agricultural value chain, particularly by promoting greater participation in livestock production.
Mr Higgins said considerable effort had been invested by consignors in preparing for the National Breed Sale, making the First Lady’s presence a fitting recognition of their contribution to the livestock sector.
“What more could the consignors ask for than to be honoured by the presence of the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Dr Mnangagwa?
“Her Excellency graciously accepted our invitation to officially open this year’s National Breed Sale, which comes as no surprise given her deep passion for agriculture and the empowerment initiatives she continues to champion within the sector,” he said.
Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Davis Marapira said the National Breed Sale was an important platform for empowering women by exposing them to high-value livestock production, particularly pedigree breeding.
He said the First Lady had embraced pedigree cattle production and would establish a pedigree Brahman herd, a move expected to inspire more women to venture into the sector.
“Pedigree production is not for men only. We want more women to participate in high-value agricultural enterprises instead of limiting themselves to traditional ventures. They have witnessed bulls selling for as much as US$17 000 and heifers fetching around US$5 000, demonstrating the immense value of the industry,” he said.
Deputy Minister Marapira said the Agric4She programme, spearheaded by the First Lady, was opening new opportunities for women by exposing them to commercial livestock production and changing perceptions that pedigree cattle and sheep breeding were exclusively for men.
He said women attending the sale had the opportunity to interact with successful female pedigree breeders and gain exposure to world-class livestock genetics sourced from across the globe and incorporated into Zimbabwe’s breeding programmes.
Farmers and beneficiaries of the First Lady’s Agric4She initiative said the event had inspired them to venture into commercial livestock production after witnessing the quality of Zimbabwe’s livestock and learning about the opportunities within the sector.
A farmer, Mrs Jennifer Joubert, urged upcoming farmers to take advice from everyone who is further advanced than them and ask for help.
“When they give you help, listen to it and use it and be bold. I think too many of us are shy, scared and nervous, and you only manage anything if you start. You will make mistakes, but then you try again.”
As for the First Lady’s visit, she said: “I think the general atmosphere was very positive, and that just encourages us that there is hope for farming in Zimbabwe and that we are wanted and valued. It definitely encouraged us to press on and lift others up as well if we can, and do our best.”
The Agric4She women said the sale had broadened their understanding of cattle production, encouraging them to view livestock farming as a viable business.
Mrs Beauty Mazarura said the event had shown that women could excel in both cattle and poultry production.
“We came here to learn about commercial farming, cattle production. We have realised that women can also succeed in these sectors. We thank our First Lady for encouraging us to use our hands productively and create sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
“In the past, cattle farming was seen as a preserve for men, but Dr Mnangagwa’s empowerment initiatives inspire us women to participate confidently in the livestock industry. Today, women are proving they can also do it.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs Gandanzara, said the National Breed Sale had motivated women to embrace productive projects that uplift families and communities.
“Our spirits have been lifted and we have learnt a great deal after seeing the cattle and sheep on display. The First Lady has encouraged us to engage in meaningful work that improves our families’ lives.
“When money goes into a woman’s hands, the entire family benefits. We have learnt how we can also venture into livestock production,” she said.
Mrs Winnie Kaseza said attending the National Breed Sale had opened her eyes to the vast opportunities in the livestock value chain.
“We have learnt about livestock feeds, the value chain and the many business opportunities available in the sector. We grew up believing cattle farming was not meant for everyone, but today we have learnt that women can also own and rear cattle.
“Through such projects, women can pay school fees for their children, support their families and improve their livelihoods. I encourage all women to rise and work hard because there is no age limit when it comes to hard work,” she said.
Granny Mujeka said she had been impressed by the quality of cattle exhibited at the sale, saying the experience had inspired her to invest in livestock production.
“We also had the opportunity to interact with various stakeholders and learn from their experiences. I never knew Zimbabwe had such large, high-quality cattle,” she said.
A youthful cattle farmer from Chivhu, Mr Emmanuel Mukonoweshuro, urged fellow young people to venture into cattle farming, describing it as a lucrative business with immense opportunities.
“We need to start now because the rewards are enormous. Let us embrace farming, particularly cattle breeding and commercial cattle production. By venturing into this sector, we can transform our lives for the better,” he said.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Harare Metropolitan Province, Senator Charles Tawengwa, applauded the visionary leadership of President Dr Mnangagwa, saying the Government continues to revitalise the livestock sector through the rehabilitation of dip tanks, provision of dipping chemicals, strengthening of veterinary and extension services, and the provision of technical support to farmers.
“Livestock production remains a strategic pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy, creating opportunities for food security, employment, wealth creation and foreign currency generation through the export of superior cattle genetics.
“It also offers immense potential for women and young people to participate meaningfully in commercial cattle production and across the broader livestock value chain,” he said.
Through the nationwide Agric4She initiative, Dr Mnangagwa continues to empower women by promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving access to training, productive inputs, value addition, markets and sustainable income-generating opportunities.
Beyond the sale of livestock, the National Breed Sale remains one of Zimbabwe’s premier agricultural business platforms, fostering investment, showcasing superior genetics and strengthening commercial partnerships that drive growth across the livestock industry.
