Health scare sparks chicken empire Bulawayo for man

WHAT started as a doctor’s advice to adopt a healthier diet blossomed into a life-changing enterprise for Mr Taffy Chiwashira, a Bulawayo entrepreneur whose encounter with high cholesterol steered him down an unexpected path into chicken breeding.

In 2014, following a routine medical check-up, Mr Chiwashira was presented with two options. His doctor recommended either commencing lifelong medication or embracing a healthier lifestyle.

Opting for the latter, he was specifically advised to incorporate organic foods into his diet, particularly roadrunner chickens, renowned for their leaner meat and nutritional value.

Initially, purchasing road runner chicks monthly for his family, Mr Chiwashira gradually found himself learning the ins and outs of poultry rearing, unintentionally becoming an expert. What started as a personal health adjustment soon grew into a small backyard project, eventually blossoming into a fully-fledged chicken breeding business.

“Around 2014, I went for a routine medical check-up, and the results showed my cholesterol levels were very high. I had two options: either go on medication or change my lifestyle. I started keeping road runners that I bought from people who brought them from Binga, and over time, I realised I was slowly turning into a chicken farmer,” he said.

The turning point came when a friend asked him to temporarily house an exotic rooster at his home in Khumalo. Fascinated by its distinctive features, Mr Chiwashira began cross-breeding it with his road runners. The results were remarkable: strong, healthy chicks with previously unseen traits.

“I got hooked. The quality of the chicks opened my eyes to the potential of exotic chicken breeding. Like with any venture, I knew I had to educate myself, so I began reading everything I could about chicken genetics,” he said.

Taking a leap of faith, he invested US$250 in a rare Frizzle Buff Orpington breed from South Africa, paying R4,500 for a single rooster. A bold move — yet one that paid off.

“That breed took over 12 years to perfect through trial and error. Looking back, buying that rooster was the best decision I ever made. Chicken breeding isn’t easy — it demands patience, resilience and passion,” he said.

Mr Chiwashira now sells chicks at US$5 each, catering mainly to other breeders and aspiring farmers. He keeps four different Orpington breeds, all well-suited to Zimbabwe’s climate and comparable to road runners in their adaptability.

“I rarely sell full-grown birds to walk-in clients as most find them expensive. But breeders understand their value, they’re my main customers,” he said.

He firmly believes pedigree, poultry farming is just as viable as goat or cattle farming, and he encourages young people to pursue agricultural ventures they’re passionate about.

Meanwhile, at the Bulawayo Agricultural Show, institutions and farmers showcased their efforts to advance poultry farming in Zimbabwe. Lupane State University exhibited impressive breeds, including the White Australorp and Koekoek, as part of its rural poultry initiative.

The university maintains eight chicken genetic lines, which it distributes free of charge to villagers to enhance local stock.

“Lupane State University embarked on a programme to improve local chicken genetics by breeding adaptable varieties suited to the hot, dry conditions of the region. The quality of local chickens is improving as villagers take up the opportunity to enhance their flocks with better genetics,” said Mr Roger Mudimba, Acting Project and Technical Officer.

First-time exhibitor, Mrs Agnes Mthimkhulu, also drew attention at the show, presenting a mix of ducks and road runners from her poultry project based in Kensington, on the outskirts of Bulawayo.

“I run a poultry business in Kensington. My neighbour encouraged me to participate after seeing the progress I’ve made over the past two years. I’m excited to be part of this platform,” she said.