Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe
Zimpapers Business Hub
Zimbabwe’s indigenous chicken population, valued at US$46,64 million, underscores the significance of this sub-sector in supporting rural livelihoods, anchoring national food systems and generating income for millions of households across the country, a recent report shows.
The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development’s agricultural value chains analysis and action plan (2026-2030), as espoused in the Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2, demonstrates the significant market potential of indigenous chickens, particularly for smallholder farmers who lead in indigenous poultry production.
“A market value of US$46,64 million for indigenous chickens reflects the economic importance of this sub-sector in rural livelihoods and food systems. It demonstrates significant income-generating potential, especially for smallholder farmers,” reads part of the document.
However, the sector experienced a temporary setback in 2024 due to climatic shocks.
“There was a 15 percent decrease in indigenous chicken production recorded in 2024. The population decreased from 21 394 764 in 2023 to 18 095 637 in 2024 due to the El Niño-induced slaughter.”
Despite this decline, the Government says measures are firmly in place to restore and scale up production through targeted support interventions being implemented under national poultry programmes.
“The Presidential Poultry Scheme will be key in the growth and commercialisation of the indigenous chicken sector during the implementation.
“The programme will see growth in the population of indigenous chickens as well as growth in meat and eggs from indigenous chickens. The growth projections must be supported with good poultry husbandry practices, especially disease control, as this is the major contributor of losses in the value chain.”
Peter Tanyanyiwa