adminMonalisa Chikwengo
A TOTAL of 680 households from Chiredzi and Mwenezi districts have benefited from the indigenous poultry value chain project being implemented by Nutrition Action Zimbabwe (NAZ).
The project, funded by the Action Contre La Faim (ACF), is being done in partnership with the Government. It has since enabled indigenous poultry farmers to enhance their livelihoods by equipping them with the necessary resources and knowledge.
Titled “Strengthening the indigenous poultry value chain for diversified livelihoods and improved household income,” the project aims to improve the poultry value chain in these districts through training, capacity building, and improved market access.
Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association (ZFRPA) secretary general, Mrs Beauty Jiji recently revealed that they had partnered with NAZ to supply indigenous poultry breeds for distribution to the communities.
“The majority of the individuals who received the supplied chicks have started benefiting from the free-range poultry in terms of eggs, meat, and manure,” she said.
The project has not only improved the quality and quantity of poultry production but has also provided a sustainable source of income for the local people.
Mwenezi and Chiredzi are dry regions with low annual rainfall, and millet is the most suitable crop that can be grown in these areas, which serves as an excellent feed for free-range poultry.
“As ZFRPA, our task involves gathering some of the products, connecting farmers to markets and input suppliers, as well as collaborating with NAZ to enhance the value chain in the two districts,” she said.
The implementation of the project complements the Presidential Poultry Scheme, which falls under the Livestock Growth Plan (2021-2025), aimed at increasing rural incomes and alleviate poverty through commercialising rural poultry production.
NAZ highlighted that a total of 50 lead farmers were chosen based on various criteria that included having a minimum stock of 10 to 20 chickens, a standard chicken house with a capacity to hold 50 to 100 chickens, implementing bio-security measures, and being able to adhere to recommended improved health standards.
“The proportion of household income generated from poultry has risen from 20 to 40 percent owing to an increase in poultry and egg production. Farmers have been able to access markets more effectively due to collective marketing initiatives.
Moreover, the formation of 13 poultry cooperatives in both districts has enabled farmers to pursue poultry production as a viable business,” said NAZ.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter