Online Reporter
Oliver Kazunga
Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE has dispatched a high-level Government and private sector delegation to Rwanda for specialised training in rabbit artificial insemination to fast-track genetic improvement and boost productivity in one of the country’s fastest-growing livestock industries.
The delegation is led by Ms Senzile Ndlovu, acting livestock specialist in the Department of Livestock and Fisheries Production under the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development.
Other members of the delegation include a semen processing technologist and artificial insemination technician in the Department of Veterinary Technical Services, Mr Tatenda Warima, the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA) president, Mr Regis Nyamakanga, Raymeg Consultants Private Limited Group executive director, Mrs Paidamoyo Nyamakanga, and trainee artificial insemination technicians Ms Farlen Marume and Ms Melissa Nyamakanga.
Director of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries Production, Mr Milton Makumbe, said the programme will equip participants with advanced skills in rabbit reproductive biotechnology, semen processing, breeding management and artificial insemination technologies.
“Artificial insemination has revolutionised rabbit production in leading rabbit-producing countries by improving breeding efficiency, accelerating genetic improvement and increasing productivity. Zimbabwe is now positioning itself to adopt these technologies and remain competitive,” he said, adding that artificial insemination represents a major opportunity to unlock the next phase of industry expansion.
The training comes as Zimbabwe’s rabbit industry continues its rapid transformation from a small-scale backyard activity into a commercially driven livestock sector attracting growing investment and farmer participation.
More than 5 000 farmers are now involved in rabbit production across the country, with the national breeding population estimated at over 500 000 rabbits.
Rising demand for rabbit meat, expanding markets and organised industry structures have fuelled the sector’s remarkable growth over the past six years.
Mr Makumbe said the skills acquired in Rwanda would help build a stronger, more productive rabbit industry capable of contributing to food and nutrition security, rural industrialisation, employment creation and agricultural transformation.
“The initiative is also expected to support plans to establish a National Rabbit Training, Research and Development Centre in Zimbabwe, complete with a dedicated Artificial Insemination Unit to drive breeding programmes and genetic improvement,” he said.
“Upon their return, the trainees are expected to roll out nationwide knowledge-sharing programmes through farmer training workshops, demonstrations and advisory services targeting producers, extension officers, researchers and other stakeholders.”
The training is being conducted by Kigali Rabbit Centre chief executive officer, Mr Dieudonne Musoni, who said participants will undergo intensive theoretical and practical instruction in semen collection, evaluation and processing, reproductive management and artificial insemination procedures.
He said the introduction of modern reproductive technologies could significantly improve production efficiency, strengthen extension services, raise farmer incomes and attract new investment into Zimbabwe’s emerging rabbit value chain.
The Rwanda training programme marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe’s drive to modernise rabbit production and position the sector as a key contributor to the country’s livestock economy.
