Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA) is set to launch a National Rabbit Breeders Register aimed at certifying and listing bona fide rabbit breeders countrywide, in a move expected to transform the industry.
The register, which will be the first-of-its-kind in Zimbabwe, is designed to bring order, professionalism and credibility to the fast-growing rabbit farming sector.
ZICORBA secretary for inspection and certification, Mr Kingston Rapukeni, said the initiative will ensure only breeders meeting set standards are formally recognised.
“The register will protect farmers and consumers by eliminating fly-by-night operators and promoting trust in rabbit products,” he said.
“It will also serve as an official reference point for buyers, investors, and regulatory authorities, ensuring that rabbit farming in Zimbabwe meets both national and international standards.”
He noted that certified breeders would benefit from improved access to markets, technical support, and financing opportunities, as their inclusion in the register would serve as proof of compliance with industry standards.
“This is a game-changer for our members because recognition on the register automatically boosts their credibility, opening doors to partnerships with hotels, supermarkets, and exporters,” said Mr Rapukeni.
It is hoped that the register will further help ZICORBA monitor breeding practices, curb the spread of diseases, and promote the use of traceable breeding stock.
“In the long run, this will enhance productivity, improve the quality of rabbit meat and related products, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a leader in rabbit farming on the continent,” said Mr Rapukeni.
ZICORBA has members nationwide and has been at the forefront of commercialising rabbit farming in Zimbabwe, including establishing the country’s first rabbit abattoir and developing rabbit meat products.
And the introduction of the breeders register is part of the association’s broader efforts to professionalise the industry and align it with global best practices.
Meanwhile, according to the Confederation of Rabbit Breeders Association (CARAPRO), the retail prices of rabbit meat are firming up across Eastern and Southern Africa, driven by renewed consumer interest in the delicacy, largely due to its health benefits.
In Zimbabwe, rabbit meat is currently retailing at between US$7 and US$10 per kilogramme, a price point that is slightly higher than in some neighbouring markets.
CARAPRO president Mr Regis Nyamakanga said the steady rise in demand presents both an opportunity and a challenge for producers in the region.
In South Africa, rabbit meat remains comparatively affordable, with speciality butchers and retailers selling it at between US$1,92 and US$3,83 per kilogramme.
In Kenya, the price is firmer, ranging from KES 695 (US$5) to KES 800 (US$5,80) per kilogramme.
Zambia has some of the highest price points in the region, with retail figures ranging between ZMW 146,91 (US$7,79) and ZMW 220,37 (US$11,69) per kilogramme.
In Uganda, rabbit meat sells at around UGX 25,000 (US$6,76) per kilogramme, while in Rwanda retail prices range from RWF 8,200 (US$7,50) to RWF 10,000 (US$9) per kilogramme.
“People are becoming more health-conscious, and rabbit meat is winning over new consumers because it is high in protein, low in fat and cholesterol, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals,” he said.
“The firming up of rabbit meat prices is creating strong incentives for farmers. Higher prices compared to traditional meats such as chicken (averaging around US$3–4/kg) and beef (about US$5–6/kg in many parts of the region) make rabbit farming an attractive enterprise.”
