Online Reporter
Lonster Mutata
Herald Correspondent
ZIMBABWE has moved to unlock the full economic potential of its livestock sector following the establishment of the new Department of Livestock and Fisheries Production, a strategic consolidation designed to drive value, commercialisation and inclusive growth across the country’s animal production systems.
The director, Mr Milton Makumbe, said the department, which came into effect last month, merges the former fisheries and aquaculture portfolio with livestock production, creating a unified structure focused on maximising returns from all livestock sub-sectors.
The development marks a significant policy shift, as the Government intensifies efforts to transform livestock from a largely subsistence activity into a commercially viable and income-generating enterprise, particularly for smallholder farmers.
Zimbabwe presently holds an estimated 5,7 million cattle, with the bulk concentrated in communal areas, a resource base Mr Makumbe describes as “immense but underutilised.”
“Our thrust is to unlock value within these livestock systems, especially for small-scale farmers who hold the majority of the national herd,” he said.
“We want farmers to begin to see livestock not just as a store of wealth, but as a business capable of generating meaningful income.”
At the centre of this transformation drive is a renewed focus on policy alignment, market access and value chain development, critical levers expected to reposition the sector for growth.
One of the immediate areas under review is Statutory Instrument 182, which governs carcass grading.
Stakeholders have long raised concerns that the current framework disadvantages indigenous breeds predominantly reared in communal areas, often resulting in lower prices at abattoirs.
“There is need to review such frameworks to ensure fairness and inclusivity,” Mr Makumbe said.
“Our indigenous breeds must not be prejudiced in the market system, as this undermines farmer confidence and limits value realisation.”
Beyond beef, the department is also placing strong emphasis on revitalising the dairy sub-sector, with plans to strengthen milk collection centres and enhance their commercial viability.
The strategy includes promoting value addition through diversified dairy products, improved branding, and expanded market access, measures aimed at stimulating production while ensuring consistent availability of quality dairy products nationwide.
“We want to see a dairy industry that is vibrant, competitive and inclusive,” Mr Makumbe said.
“By strengthening aggregation systems and market linkages, we can bring more players into the sector and unlock opportunities for smallholder farmers.”
The integrated department is expected to drive synergies between livestock and fisheries production, leveraging shared infrastructure, research and extension services to boost efficiency and productivity.
For many smallholder farmers, the reforms signal a shift from survival to sustainability, and ultimately, profitability, as the Government seeks to reposition livestock as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy.
With policy reforms on the horizon and renewed institutional focus, the sector now stands at a critical inflexion point, where unlocking value could translate into tangible livelihoods and national economic gains.
Analysts say the move aligns with broader national objectives under Vision 2030, which prioritise rural industrialisation, food security and value addition as key pillars of economic transformation.
For many smallholder farmers, the reforms signal a shift from survival to sustainability — and ultimately, profitability — as the Government seeks to reposition livestock as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy.
With policy reforms on the horizon and renewed institutional focus, the sector now stands at a critical inflexion point — where unlocking value could translate into tangible livelihoods and national economic gains.
