Online Reporter
Patience Maturure
Agriculture Reporter
THE country’s rich poultry resource base, combined with Government support for climate change adaptation strategies have positioned the free-range poultry industry as a transformative solution for smallholder farmers.
This approach not only enhances food security but also boosts incomes and promotes environmental sustainability.
Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association (ZFRPA) chief executive Mrs Beauty Jiji said free-range poultry was a crucial element of agricultural development and a solution to the issue of food insecurity faced some rural communities.
“Free-range poultry is known for its superior meat and egg quality, yielding leaner meat and nutrient-rich eggs that command premium prices.
“This method promotes animal welfare by reducing stress and enhancing health, aligning with global trends,” she said.
Indigenous poultry breeds can forage for 30-50 percent of their feed, significantly lowering costs. Alternative feeds like Azolla and Black Soldier Fly make nutrition more affordable in Zimbabwe’s high feed cost environment.
“The rising demand for healthier, organically raised poultry has opened up niche markets, bolstered by Government initiatives such as the Presidential Poultry Scheme and collaboration with development partners. These efforts facilitate production at subsistence, small-scale and large-scale commercial levels.
“The free-range poultry value chain encompasses breeding and hatching, where suitable breeds are selected and chicks are hatched. It also incorporates feed production focused on locally sourced ingredients, humane processing methods and options for further processing, such as cutting and packaging,” she said.
Marketing and distribution channels for the free-range poultry are diverse, ranging from direct sales to wholesale, retail and export.
“Key success factors include access to quality breeding stock like Sasso and Boschveld, effective health management through vaccination and biosecurity and feed efficiency innovations using local ingredients such as sorghum and Azolla.
“Strong market linkages, branding initiatives like the Zimbabwe Free Range Certified label and collective marketing efforts are essential for growth and capacity-building.
“Farmer training, infrastructure development and supportive policies from the Government and partners are also critical in poultry production,” she said.
Mrs Jiji said integrating the value chain fostered stronger connections between breeders, growers, processors and marketers, empowering women and youth through inclusive business models. “Climate-smart production practices promote drought-tolerant feeds and resilient housing. Moreover, digitalisation leverages ICT platforms for better access to inputs and market information.
“Regional expansion efforts target SADC markets, with public-private partnerships mobilising investments for infrastructure development. Ongoing research focuses on improving breeds and locally adapted feed technologies, driving industry growth and sustainability,” she said.
Free-range poultry products are available in domestic markets, including local butcheries, supermarkets, restaurants and open markets, catering to urban consumers seeking organic and ethically produced meat and eggs.
“Institutional markets such as schools and hospitals are also sourcing local products, while regional export opportunities to Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia are growing, driven by demand for indigenous chicken arieties. Value-added products, such as smoked, marinated, or ready-to-cook chicken and packaged eggs are gaining traction. Certification systems like the Zimbabwe Free Range Standards and cold chain logistics are essential for consistent branding and market trust,” she said.
Mrs Jiji said access to affordable finance was vital as it enabled farmers and industry stakeholders to invest in infrastructure and operations.
“Continuous research and development aim to enhance breeding, nutrition and production efficiency, fostering sustainability in the long run.
“Training and extension services equip farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in free-range poultry production, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of the industry,” she said.
