From two chickens to a thriving business: Sibanda’s poultry farming journey

Flora Fadzai Sibanda, [email protected]
TWO years ago, in the quiet rural setting of Ward 6 in Umguza District, 31-year-old Gracious Sibanda made a decision that would slowly change her life. It did not begin with a big plan or huge investment, but with something simple — a pair of exotic chickens.
At the time, it was just curiosity. But that small step has grown into something much bigger. Today, Sibanda runs a thriving agribusiness, becoming part of a growing group of young Zimbabweans who are showing that farming can be modern, practical and profitable.
Her work has already started to pay off. She has sold more than 1 200 day-old chicks, focusing mainly on the popular Orpington breed. These birds are not only productive, but also eye-catching. Her flock comes in a wide range of colours, including Buff, Black, Blue, Splash, Lavender, Jubilee, Chocolate and Cuckoo, making them both attractive and valuable.
Orpington chickens are sometimes called “feathery footballs” because of their soft, round look. But behind that appearance is real value. They are known for producing both meat and eggs, and their size — usually between 3kg and 5kg — makes them ideal for both small farmers and commercial operations.
Sibanda’s interest in this type of farming started in 2024 when she attended a skills workshop in South Africa. That experience opened her eyes to a business opportunity she had not considered before, and she brought that knowledge back home.
“I realised there was a gap in the market for quality exotic breeds back home. The breeding process is not very different from indigenous free-range chickens, but attention to detail, especially nutrition, makes all the difference,” said Sibanda.
Since then, she has focused on doing things properly. Her birds are raised using a free-range system, which allows them to grow naturally while staying healthy. She pays close attention to feeding, making sure they get enough protein along with special feed to help them grow well. This careful approach has helped her build a strong reputation.
Her hard work has already gained recognition. When she exhibited her birds for the first time at the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, they stood out from the rest.
“We won five awards in the exotic breeds’ category. These included two championship titles for Champion Hen and Champion Rooster, first prizes for Buff and Black Orpingtons and a second prize for the Splash variety,” she said proudly.

Even with this success, running the business is not without its challenges. Like many small farmers, Sibanda still faces some practical limitations that slow her growth.
“Our biggest limitation is incubator capacity. At times, we are forced to outsource, even beyond our borders, which increases costs,” she said.
Despite this, she remains positive and focused on growing her business. Her story reflects what is happening across the country, where more young people are being encouraged to take part in agriculture. Government programmes and training initiatives are helping to create opportunities for young farmers to build their own businesses and contribute to the economy.
These efforts are also linked to broader national plans such as Vision 2030, which aims to create jobs and improve livelihoods through sectors like agriculture.
Sibanda’s journey shows what is possible when someone is willing to start small and stay committed. She has not stopped at poultry farming alone. To strengthen her income, she has also moved into goat and rabbit breeding, making sure she has more than one source of revenue.
“I would encourage anyone, especially young people, to consider this line of business. It is profitable and the returns come relatively quickly. The key is to start small, focus on quality and grow steadily,” she said.
Her story is simple, but powerful — a reminder that even the smallest idea, when taken seriously, can grow into something meaningful.