Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA) has raised alarm over a worsening rabbit feed crisis, warning that soaring costs and supply challenges threaten the growth of the country’s emerging cuniculture industry.
This emerged during the association’s annual general meeting and field day convened at Mrs Monica Mudonhi’s rabbitry in Ruwa over the weekend.
A key concern raised by members was the critical shortage of rabbit pellets on the market, coupled with ballooning feed costs and inconsistent quality.
Farmers reported that many feed suppliers are either out of stock or producing compromised formulations, forcing producers to either reduce stock, substitute with inadequate alternatives, or exit the sector entirely.
“Feed constitutes over 70 percent of production costs in rabbit farming. When pellets are scarce, expensive, and of questionable quality, it asphyxiates the entire value chain,” said ZICORBA president Mr Regis Nyamakanga.
“Our farmers are doing their part to grow protein supply and create jobs, but they cannot sustain production under these conditions.”
He warned that if the situation remains unchecked, it could threaten food security efforts, small business growth, and Zimbabwe’s livestock diversification goals.
“Without reliable and affordable feed, the gains made in rabbit meat production and youth and women participation in agriculture are at risk,” he said.
ZICORBA is therefore calling for urgent action from the Government and stakeholders to fast-track support for local pellet manufacturers and improve access to raw materials, so supply and pricing can stabilise.
The association is also urging regulatory bodies to strengthen quality control and enforcement to protect farmers from substandard feed, and is appealing to partners and investors to work with ZICORBA in developing sustainable feed solutions and aggregation models that benefit small-scale producers.
“ZICORBA remains committed to working with the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, feed manufacturers, and development partners to secure a resilient feed supply chain.”
Meanwhile, the association commended Mrs Mudonhi for hosting the AGM and field day, which showcased best practices and the resilience of farmers despite the current challenges.
