In the heart of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, the African Poultry Multiplication Initiative (APMI) continues to deliver significant impact despite the conclusion of its initial donor-funded phase. A recent visit to the city brought a spotlight on Hamara Farmer, a leading player in the country’s poultry value chain, where the vision of sustainable development is being realized through unwavering local commitment and smart business integration.
Brendon and Peter, key representatives from Hamara Farmer, shared insights on how the organization is actively weaving the APMI model into its long-term strategy. The model, originally supported through donor funds, was designed to improve poultry productivity by empowering smallholder farmers with better resources and knowledge. Even after the funding phase ended, Hamara’s dedication to the initiative has not wavered. Instead, it has grown stronger, rooted in the belief that empowering small-scale farmers is not just a moral obligation but a smart and sustainable business move.
At the core of APMI is the principle of access—access to improved poultry genetics, essential technical training, and crucially, stable market linkages. Hamara has successfully maintained this triple-access approach by continuing to distribute high-yielding, dual-purpose birds to smallholders across Zimbabwe. These birds are specially bred to meet the dual needs of meat and egg production, giving farmers diversified income streams. By replacing traditional, low-producing indigenous breeds with these improved birds, rural farmers are seeing better productivity and returns, translating to improved household nutrition and income.
Moreover, Hamara’s technical support teams regularly engage with farmers to provide training on best practices in poultry health, biosecurity, feeding, and housing. This ongoing mentorship ensures that farmers can sustainably manage their flocks, reduce mortality rates, and scale up their operations over time. One of the most commendable aspects of Hamara’s approach is the emphasis on building farmer capacity rather than fostering dependency. Knowledge transfer is seen as the real currency of change.
Market access, often a major barrier for rural farmers, is another pillar of the model that Hamara has prioritized. By linking small-scale producers to viable buyers and markets, the company has closed a critical gap that once undermined the profitability of poultry farming in remote communities. In doing so, Hamara has created a robust poultry ecosystem where every player—from hatcheries to consumers—benefits from the value chain.
The story unfolding in Bulawayo is not just one of poultry production, but of transformation, resilience, and visionary leadership. Sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a living, breathing reality as local ownership and business acumen converge to uplift communities. Hamara’s deep commitment to the APMI principles demonstrates how impactful donor-funded programs can live on, thrive, and scale through strong private sector leadership.
In a region often challenged by economic constraints and limited infrastructure, the continued success of the African Poultry Multiplication Initiative in Zimbabwe serves as a model for other countries. It proves that with the right strategy and stakeholders, development can outlive donor timelines and evolve into long-term prosperity. As Hamara Farmer continues its journey, it remains a beacon of what is possible when purpose and profit align in pursuit of community-driven change.
