Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
Agritech startup Goat Fence ZW is set to headline the Goat Breeders Association of Zimbabwe (GBAZ) annual indaba taking place from October 23–24, 2025, in Bulawayo.
The two-day event, themed “Preserving Our Indigenous Goats — Understanding the Matebele & Mashona Breed Standards,” will bring together breeders, producers, researchers and agripreneurs to advance indigenous goat farming in Zimbabwe.
As part of the Basic Goat Management Course, Mr Masimba Biriwasha, founder of Goat Fence ZW and Goat Orders Co, will deliver a Goat Fencing for Biosecurity Masterclass.
The session will focus on cost-effective fencing systems designed to improve farm productivity, disease prevention and herd security.
“Biosecurity begins at the boundary,” said Mr Biriwasha.
“A well-designed fence is more than a physical barrier; it is the first defence against disease, theft and loss. In goat production, fencing is the foundation of sustainability and profitability.”
Mr Biriwasha said fencing remained one of the most overlooked yet vital components of Zimbabwean agriculture.
“Fencing is often treated as an afterthought by smallholder farmers, yet it is central to productivity and land management,” he said.
“Without proper fencing, farmers lose control over grazing, biosecurity and breeding programmes. It is time Government policy recognises fencing as a national productivity issue, alongside irrigation and inputs.”
Goat Fence ZW is pioneering the integration of technology into livestock management through digital fence planning, GPS mapping and online advisory tools. These platforms enable farmers to design, cost and monitor fencing systems with precision.
“Technology is transforming how we farm,” Mr Biriwasha said.
“We are helping farmers adopt smarter, data-driven approaches that save resources while enhancing security and productivity.”
The GBAZ Indaba will also feature expert presentations, discussions on indigenous breed standards, and live demonstrations of fencing techniques suited to Zimbabwe’s diverse farming environments.
