The recent 114th edition of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show (ZAS) highlighted a growing demand for enhanced research and innovation in the free-range poultry sector. Stakeholders have urged researchers to dig deeper into improving indigenous poultry breeds, a critical move as more beneficiaries join the Presidential Poultry Scheme. This government initiative, launched under the Rural Development 8.0 model, aims to enhance nutrition and increase incomes for at least three million rural households across Zimbabwe. Since its launch on August 25, 2022, in Masvingo, the scheme has expanded to all ten provinces in the country, in line with the government’s commitment to “leaving no one and no place behind.”
Mrs. Beauty Jiji, Secretary of the Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association (ZFRPA), emphasized the need for local researchers to improve the current stock of indigenous birds by integrating desirable features from exotic breeds. Speaking under the theme “Free-range poultry: a conduit for prosperity—Preserving and promoting indigenous gene pool for commercially viable enterprises,” Mrs. Jiji highlighted the potential for profitability in the industry. She noted that local breeds, such as bhibho and naked neck (musvuu), possess valuable traits like strong maternal instincts, disease resistance, and the ability to thrive in harsh conditions. These birds are dual-purpose, providing both meat and eggs, and are well-adapted to the local climate.
However, Mrs. Jiji stressed that to improve the profitability of the industry, it is essential to incorporate desirable features from exotic breeds. She cited examples such as the Potchefstroom Koekoek from South Africa, Orpington breeds from the United Kingdom, and the black Australorp from Australia, which are known for their high egg production, heat resistance, and excellent brooding abilities. While advocating for these enhancements, she also underscored the importance of maintaining the unique qualities of local breeds, which are favored by consumers who seek out indigenous poultry meat.
To further support the growth of the free-range poultry industry, the ZFRPA has introduced a hay box chick brooding technology. This innovative approach is a significant milestone in increasing household-level poultry production. The hay box brooding technology uses locally available materials and skills, eliminating the need for artificial heating. It works by conserving the metabolic heat produced by chicks, thereby increasing their survival rates and overall production. This method also helps protect chicks from predators, further boosting the productivity of rural poultry farmers.
Despite these advancements, the ZFRPA faces challenges, particularly in logistics and distribution. The association aims to distribute an additional 880,000 birds across Zimbabwe’s ten provinces by December 31, bringing the total number of distributed birds to 2.5 million, benefiting 250,000 households since the scheme’s inception. However, Mrs. Jiji lamented that the figures could be higher if not for delays in settling accounts with transporters, packagers, and other service providers.
To address these challenges, Mrs. Jiji proposed setting up provincial production units to decentralize chick distribution and ease logistics. Additionally, she suggested aggregating meat and fertilized eggs at the ward level for easier market access and hatching. The Presidential Poultry Scheme has also created employment opportunities, with over 2,000 people currently employed by ZFRPA member organizations. As the scheme continues to expand, the focus remains on improving the industry’s efficiency and profitability while preserving the unique qualities of Zimbabwe’s indigenous poultry breeds.
