Online Reporter
Elita Chikwati
The Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association (ZFRPA) recently celebrated 10 years of progress with the initiative improving livelihoods across Zimbabwe and improving nutrition.
The association created employment, empowered women, and provided opportunities for young people.
The population of free-range birds in Zimbabwe has also grown from 23 million to nearly 80 million.
This came out at the recent ZFRPA 10th anniversary celebrations held in Harare.
Officiating at the event, ZFRPA president Dr Golden Shamu said the association had distributed over 2.8 million chicks, reaching more than 280 000 beneficiaries through the Presidential Rural Poultry Programme.
“What began as a small club of passionate farmers has today grown into a nationally recognised association, with a clear vision to expand market share, strengthen household nutrition, and contribute meaningfully to the national vision of ensuring that no one and no place is left behind,” he said.
The ZFRPA’s journey dates back to 2015 when a group of farmers came together to consolidate their produce and access structured markets.
The increasing demand for authentic free-range chicken from embassies, restaurants and airlines led to the formalisation of the association.
Dr Shamu said the association had positively impacted livelihoods with some households earning incomes and sustaining themselves financially.
“The Goromonzi model is a practical example of Vision 2030 in motion. The association provided every village head with 100 chicks and some feed support, and the results have been exceptional.
“Each participant now has more than 100 chicks of their own, and the group produces nearly 3 000 chicks every week. This grassroots initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and organisation,” he said.
Dr Shamu said the association had also partnered with numerous Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to implement community resilience programmes, reaching schools, cooperatives and communities in every province
“One inspiring example is Chinika School, which started a poultry project and grew it into a sustainable business, using the proceeds to build a farm, buy sewing machines, and support both nutrition and income generation,” he said.
Dr Shamu which started as from backyard flocks had graduated to structured markets and from informal efforts to national recognition.
“The next decade will be about scaling up production, improving quality, and expanding into regional markets. The ZFRPA will continue to train farmers, strengthen partnerships, and build capacity to meet demand sustainably.
“The association aims to strengthen its presence in schools, communities, and cooperatives, ensuring that poultry farming continues to provide nutrition, income, and hope for families across Zimbabwe,” he said.
