Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB) this week launched a dairy farmers loan scheme pilot project in Manicaland which seeks to empower women in dairy farming.
Twenty-four women from the Cynara Dairy Farmers Co-operative in Mutasa District received 24 in-calf heifers, purchased through a US$39 000 loan from the bank.
The heifers, purchased at US$1 600 each, will help increase the dairy herd from the current level of 16 000 to 25 000.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza handed over the heifers, and said they will boost raw milk production to 130 million litres by 2030.
“I am pleased that the funding specifically targets disadvantaged people, particularly women, aligning with the Second Republic’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind. Under the National Development Strategy (NDS1), Government aims to increase the national dairy herd as well as the raw milk production. In 2024, our nation produced 100 million litres, with Manicaland contributing 16 percent to the national milk output,” he said.
Minister Mugadza urged women in Manicaland to take advantage of the ZWMB’s various loan schemes, saying since its inception, ZWMB has made significant interventions, including the Belarus Mechanisation Facility, which enables both women and men to acquire tractors.
“Women in business should take advantage of these loans and explore financial inclusion opportunities that the bank offers. There is no better time than now to take advantage of its initiatives. Manicaland remains committed to playing a critical role towards Zimbabwe’s economic recovery. Our contributions span various industries and the dairy business is one of them,” he said.
The heifers were procured at a price of US$1 600 each after the co-operative acquired a loan of US$39 000, which will be repaid over 12 months, with a grace period of five months before repayment begins.
ZWMB chief executive officer, Dr Mandas Marikanda said the loan terms have been carefully tailored to suit the business conditions of the hardworking farmers.
She said the loan scheme aims to support farmers and increase milk production.
“This loan scheme for dairy farmers is piloting here in Manicaland, and it will expand to all corners of the nation. We believe that our female farmers will commit to this opportunity and make it a resounding success, with hopes that they will come back for more loans to acquire different machinery and properties,” she said.
Cynara Dairy Farmers Co-operative chairperson, Mr Francis Mutsunzuru said some of the heifers have already given birth, producing top-quality milk.
“By June 30, all of our heifers will have given birth, and this just shows how we have bought two pure-bred heifers at a price of one, thereby increasing our milk production overnight. Our goal is to become a major industry, value-add our products, and produce new products for the market which are different from the products that are already in the market,” he said.
The scheme aims to increase milk production and support farmers in upgrading from small-scale to medium-scale operations.
National chair for Small-Scale Dairy farmers, Mr Marlon Gwede highlighted the progress made since 2018, with milk production increasing from 75 million litres to 115 million litres in 2024.
“In 2018, the country produced 75 million litres of milk, and in 2024, we produced 115 million litres. Government’s aim is to support farmers and produce milk for exporting, thus such loans to dairy farmers. In 2025, we are expecting 130 million litres and this will be possible if more dairy farmers take advantage of this loan scheme,” Mr Gwede said.
One of the loan’s beneficiaries, Mrs Christine Kaisi expressed gratitude for the initiative, describing it as a game-changer.
“It is a game-changer for my family and me. We will now be able to increase our milk production, while also improving our livelihoods,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs Doreen Gogo said: “As women, we are grateful for the heifers. It is a dream come true for us. We had always wanted to expand our dairy farms, and now we can.
“The loan scheme has given us the confidence to invest in our farming and increase our milk production. We are expecting a significant increase in our income, which will enable us to improve our families’ living standards. This is a new chapter for all of us, and we are eager to see the fruits of our labour.”
Online Reporter