Online ReporterTheseus Shambare
GOVERNMENT is stepping up efforts to promote the adoption of indigenous cattle breeds by targeting the production of 25 000 semen straws this year.
This is part of a broader drive to build resilience against climate change in the livestock sector. Under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and in line with Vision 2030, Zimbabwe aims to grow its national cattle herd from the current 5.5 million to 6 million by 2025, while boosting the sector into a US$1.9 billion economy.
Authorities, however, say the major thrust now is on strengthening indigenous breeds for rural communities, where resilience and adaptability to harsh environments are critical.
The Mashona, Nguni and Tuli breeds are at the centre of this programme.
Known for their resilience, they can withstand drought conditions, tolerate heat and survive on limited feed and water, while maintaining reproductive efficiency.
These traits make them suitable for smallholder farmers who often lack access to commercial inputs.
Speaking during the just-ended Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS 2025) in Harare, the Director of Livestock Research in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Andrew Chamisa, said the initiative is in sync with the 115th edition theme: “Celebrating Innovation, Resilience and Growth.”
“We are promoting our indigenous breeds because they are climate smart. With climate change, issues of feed and water are becoming scarce. These breeds are adapted to local conditions and they will help farmers sustain production under challenging environments,” he said.
Mr Chamisa said the ministry is maintaining a nucleus herd for semen harvesting, with material being processed and distributed to farmers at subsidised rates.
“Government has set a target of producing 25 000 semen straws this year. The prices are lower because we want to promote local breeds and ensure that smallholder farmers can access improved genetics without prohibitive costs,” he said.
The programme is being spearheaded through Matobo, Makoholi, Grasslands and Henderson Research Institutes, which are hosting nucleus herds of Mashona, Nguni and Tuli breeds.
The centres are responsible for semen collection, processing, storage and distribution, while also providing extension support on artificial insemination.
At the ZAS, the ministry also showcased Sabi sheep and East African goats, which are equally resilient under dryland conditions.
To complement the breeding drive, Government is promoting low-cost feeding technologies such as urea-treated stover to cushion livestock against dry-season nutritional stress.
Farmers are being trained to recycle crop residues into feed, reducing reliance on expensive commercial supplements.
The livestock breeding initiative forms part of the Livestock Growth Plan (2021–2025), which seeks to transform the sector into a US$1.9 billion economy through genetic improvement, disease control, nutrition interventions and structured markets.
Zimbabwe’s cattle population currently stands at about 5.5 million, but the Government envisions a more productive and climate-resilient herd anchored on indigenous breeds that guarantee both food security and income for rural households.
“Ultimately, our thrust is to make sure farmers are cushioned against climate shocks while preserving our heritage breeds that are productive and sustainable under Zimbabwean conditions,” Mr Chamisa said.
