Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
AT least 160 villagers in Siakobvu under the Nyaminyami Rural District Council have received free-range chicks under the Presidential Poultry Pass-On Programme, a development they say will significantly improve household incomes and food security.
The beneficiaries, organised into groups, received the chicks during a distribution exercise officiated by Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, at Nyaminyami Rural District Council offices last Friday.
More than 2 000 chicks were distributed across the area. Under the scheme, groups of 10 members each received 100 chicks, which they will rear until they start laying eggs at around six months.
The eggs will then be taken to hatchery units established with Government and development partner support, with the resulting chicks passed on to other community members.
Villagers expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for rolling out the initiative, describing it as a practical empowerment programme.
“We are grateful to President Mnangagwa for remembering us. This programme has come at the right time when we are working hard as a community to uplift our livelihoods,” said Ms Ester Nebiri.
“The chickens will give us a reliable source of income. We will be able to pay school fees for our children and improve nutrition in our homes.”
Ward 7 resident Ms Betty Chikumba said the scheme was a first of its kind in the area and had already ignited hope among villagers.
“This is a game-changer for us. We have never had such an opportunity before. If we manage it well, this project will transform our households and reduce poverty,” she said.
Chari Village head also welcomed the programme, saying it would have a far-reaching impact on rural livelihoods.
“This initiative is set to transform more than 70 households in my village alone. It promotes unity, hard work and self-reliance among our people,” he said.
Traditional leaders also applauded the development, with Chief Mola urging communities to fully utilise the opportunity.
The chiefs also received 100 chicks each for the Zunde RaMambo programme, while two schools also received their share of 100 each and will pass them on to other schools in the area.
“We are thankful for this programme, which is empowering our people at the grassroots level. We encourage villagers to take it seriously and ensure its success so that more families can benefit,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Minister Chombo said the programme was part of broader Government efforts to achieve Vision 2030 and improve rural livelihoods.
“As a country, we have a goal of attaining an upper-middle-income society by 2030. This means improved standards of living for all citizens, and it will not come without hard work,” she said.
“The Government has introduced various programmes to ensure that no one and no place is left behind. The Presidential Poultry Scheme is one such initiative designed to empower communities economically.”
She emphasised the importance of teamwork in the pass-on model.
“This programme requires unity and commitment. When your chickens start laying, you are expected to pass on 100 chicks to another group. In doing so, we ensure that the benefits spread throughout the community,” she said.
Minister Chombo added that the initiative falls under the Rural Development 8.0 model, which includes programmes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, the Presidential Goat Scheme, cotton inputs support, irrigation development under the Vision 2030 Accelerator Model, and other livelihood-enhancing projects.
“The aim is to build sustainable income-generating activities at the household level. Through such programmes, communities can start viable poultry businesses and improve their economic standing,” she said.
The Presidential Poultry Pass-On Programme is expected to expand across Nyaminyami, with more households set to benefit as communities successfully implement the revolving model.
