A light of hope has formed for 400 women in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, who want to be chicken producers. This empowering program is the result of a collaboration between the Council for Churches in Africa (CCA) and Irvine Broiler Company.
Driven by a genuine concern for Zimbabwe’s current food insecurity, Faith Moyo, president of the CCA Women’s Fellowship, recognized the critical need to provide women with practical skills. The project, which was supposed to be completed in 2023, was delayed. However, 2024 is a watershed moment, since Moyo has prioritized women’s emancipation through chicken farming.
This initiative goes beyond poultry farming; it is in line with Zimbabwe’s national economic development plan, Vision 2030. Moyo stresses the importance of education in bringing about transformation. Through workshops conducted in collaboration with Irvine’s firm management, participants have gained the necessary knowledge and skills for success. Women from diverse religious backgrounds and CCA affiliations have come together to enhance their understanding and potential as poultry entrepreneurs.
Nevertheless, poultry farming is just the beginning of this empowering journey. Moyo, recognizing the potential threat of future food shortages due to weather patterns, takes a broader view. The ultimate objective is to equip these women to be self-reliant food producers, not only for themselves but also for their communities.
The scope of this program is extremely inspirational. It has national goals, intending to include over 50,000 women across Zimbabwe. Bulawayo acts as the launchpad, with 400 women taking part in the initial sessions. This is only the beginning; similar workshops are planned in various provinces around the country, all in conjunction with Irvine’s Broiler Company.
This relationship between CCA and Irvine has enormous potential. The CCA delivers a strong network of women and a commitment to social responsibility, while Irvine’s experience with broiler production provides critical technical knowledge. This combined force can have a knock-on impact, empowering women, promoting food security, and potentially strengthening the Zimbabwean economy.
The success of this program is dependent on a number of things. It is critical to provide ongoing guidance and resources to women who are launching poultry farming companies. Establishing a solid market connection for their products is critical to the project’s long-term viability and women’s financial empowerment. Furthermore, sharing expertise and engaging in mentorship programs can help women build a supportive network by learning from each other’s experiences and struggles.
If all these components come together, this project could have a significant impact on the lives of these women and their communities. It has the potential to not only transform them into poultry producers but also to serve as catalysts for change, contributing to a more stable and self-reliant Zimbabwe.
