Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare and Precious Manomano
At least 1 200 four-week-old chicks have been passed on to 120 new beneficiaries in Goromonzi, marking a major milestone in the Presidential Poultry Pass-On Scheme as it gains momentum as a sustainable model for rural empowerment and household self-sufficiency.
The initiative began in the district last October when 37 500 chicks were distributed to 37 villagers, each receiving 10 birds.
Under the pass-on programme, beneficiaries raise and multiply their poultry, then hand over chicks to the next group of farmers, creating a self-sustaining cycle that addresses the long-standing challenge of development projects failing due to lack of continuity.
Farmers in Goromonzi say the model is already transforming livelihoods, boosting food security and stimulating local economic activity.
Goromonzi Ward 16 chairperson Mr Abel Mutazu said the community is shifting from subsistence farming to agribusiness.
“We were given 100 chicks on October 23 and all survived,” he said.
“Along with two packs of feed, we collectively contribute US$40 per person to buy additional feed. After six months, we sold 49 cockerels at US$12 each.
“As a group of 24 people, we have distributed 150 hens per person. So far, we have passed on 1 200 chicks. We are earning well and the lives of other beneficiaries are improving significantly.”
Mrs Talent Sibanda, who has now moved from beneficiary to benefactor, said the programme has changed her life.
“Last year, I was being helped. Today, I am helping someone else. I never thought life would turn like this,” she said.
The scheme, she added, has empowered her to make independent household decisions.
Mrs Vennah Munyaradzi, who received chicks from Sibanda, said she hopes to expand into commercial farming.
“If all goes well, I will buy my own incubator and offer services to other farmers,” she said. Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri said the pass-on achievements demonstrate the programme’s effectiveness.
“Witnessing the first group of recipients passing on their poultry is a testament to the programme’s success,” he said.
He added that poultry farming can generate income not only from meat and eggs but also by stimulating related enterprises, including hatcheries, incubators and fast-food outlets—thereby building a thriving rural economy.
Since its launch, the Presidential Poultry Scheme has distributed nearly 2,4 million chicks countrywide.
