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Broiler farming has transformed the lives of many in Matobo district. Hope has been restored where there seemed to be none as the villagers of Matobo (Ward 16) have taken up broiler farming. In a time where the ordinary Zimbabwean, particularly the rural folk are crying about the state of the economy and the high cost of living, broiler farmers in Matobo district are reaping the rewards of broiler farming.
Elizabeth Mwale, 63, started broiler farming in 2010 under the out grower scheme, a division of Sondelani Ranching which is also the parent company of Higrow.
The out grower scheme aims to unlock the productive power of rural small holders. The scheme relies on ownership to produce greater efficiency than that of huge commercial houses while linking many small holders into the market chain.
Mwale is one of the farmers who has seen the benefits of being an out grower and has largely reaped the reward of the scheme. Before becoming a contract broiler farmer, Mwale was in the business of selling curios and guavas and barely made enough money to take care of her family.
Mwale, who became a widow in 2002, highlighted that becoming a contract farmer has largely transformed her life as she is better able to pay school fees, feed and clothe her twelve grandchildren and extended family that have no income.
She pointed out that she makes $1,000 per batch on an average of 2,000 birds, which is well beyond the reach of any ordinary Zimbabwean more so the rural Zimbabwean. Mwale went on to add that the profits she has realised has helped her to build a new house with a stronger roof and her fellow villagers are marvelling at her achievements.
Mwale is not the only one who has benefitted from the scheme in Matobo as the division has contracted a total of 120 families, with the number expected to grow in the coming year.
The scheme has largely contributed to the elimination of poverty in Matobo district as families now have disposable income. Because poverty is being eliminated, lesser numbers of young people, who constitute the major workforce of Zimbabwe, are moving to South Africa in search of employment. Families are also being united by the project, as every member is involved in the process of rearing the chickens.
The inclusion of small-scale farmers in the production side of the business is a key aspect of Sondelani Ranching’s business.
From ostriches at the company’s inception right up to broilers and vegetables now, small-scale farmers have played an integral part of the company’s production cycle. The key driving force behind this is a core belief the massive productive potential of Africa generally and Zimbabwe and Matabeleland specifically.
The key benefits reaped from this approach have been realised in having expanded capacity for production without the requisite overhead for management or expansion, disease control and a more efficient, simple and focused workforce.
This strategy will continue to pay dividends as the retail side grows and production can be scaled up easily, with the added benefit that the same small-scale farmers become part of the target retail market. This scheme therefore provides mutual beneficiation for both Sondelani Ranching and the contract broiler farmer.
With its unique position of being a producer of day-old chicks (through Hamara Chicks), being a producer of chicken feed (through Hamara Feeds) AND being a producer of chicken through the outgrowers, its imperative that Sondelani supplies the best quality inputs in order to supply the best quality products. This is why Higrow is reputed to be the leader in the field of poultry production.
You can visit the Higrow team at 47b Fife Street in Bulawayo between 3rd & 4th Avenue or Call 09 882602/3 for more information.
derick.khumalo