By Gladys Kapto (Poultry News Africa editorial specialist)
After years of considerable challenges, Zimbabwe’s poultry sector is showing proof of improvement. From severe Avian Influenza (AI) outbreaks to economic instability, this sector survived the storm and is now witnessing renewed growth. The following piece examines the current situation, stressing major elements driving the recovery, problems that remain, and the possibility of a sustainable future.
Soaring on the wings of demand.
One of the key factors of economic growth is raising demand for chicken products. Zimbabweans are eating more chicken than ever before, caused by increased earnings, urbanization, and a growing desire for convenient protein sources. This demand translates into higher production, with the Zimbabwe chicken Association (ZPA) estimating a 15% rise in chicken output in 2023 over the previous year.
Government Support: A Boost to Growth:
The Zimbabwean government has played an important role in the recovery by undertaking many initiatives:
- Subsidies for day-old chicks: This initiative attempts to make chicks more inexpensive for small-scale farmers, encouraging greater involvement and increasing productivity.
- Tax reductions and tax waivers: These initiatives lower the cost of critical inputs such as feed and equipment, enhancing profitability for poultry producers.
- Biosecurity awareness campaigns: The government is actively educating farmers on biosecurity measures to prevent further Avian Influenza outbreaks and maintain the industry’s health.
Poultry farmers in Zimbabwe are using innovative technologies in order to boost productivity and efficiency. Some examples include:
- Automatic feeders and drinkers: These devices cut down on manual effort and guarantee that birds always have access to food and water, which promotes better bird health and growth.
- Better poultry breeds: To boost output and profitability, farmers are embracing varieties with faster growth rates and higher feed conversion ratios.
- Digital platforms: Farmers can now access markets and resources through online marketplaces and information sharing platforms, which promote growth and knowledge exchange.
Even though the recovery is encouraging, challenges still exist. Growing input costs continue to pressure farmers’ profit margins, especially for fuel and feed. Growth is also hampered by a lack of access to capital and dependable infrastructure, such as a steady supply of energy. Furthermore, there is always a risk of Avian Influenza outbreaks, which calls for ongoing caution and biosecurity precautions.
Increasing on Accomplishment In order to guarantee the recovery’s long-term viability, several crucial aspects need to be addressed:
- Helping small-scale farmers: To guarantee equitable and broad growth, small-scale farmers must be empowered by access to technology, finance, and training.
- Encouraging biosecurity: To stop further Avian Influenza outbreaks and safeguard the safety of the business, more money must be invested on biosecurity education and enforcement.
- Making research and development investments: Further research into sustainable production practices, alternate feed supplies, and disease-resistant breeds can improve the resilience and profitability of this industry
Zimbabwe’s poultry sector is recovering, thanks to increased demand, government support, and innovative practices. While obstacles exist, the industry’s tenacity and dedication to adaptability provide a positive view for the future. By overcoming the remaining obstacles and focusing on sustainable methods, Zimbabwe’s poultry business can continue to thrive, offering an important source of protein and economic opportunity for the country.
