Zimbabwe is making notable strides in tackling the global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly within its poultry sector, through a comprehensive and collaborative effort involving the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Zimbabwe. This effort, underpinned by the support of the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) and the Fleming Fund global project, is actively working to reduce the excessive use of antimicrobials in broiler chicken farming by equipping farmers with sustainable and biosecure poultry production practices.
AMR has emerged as a growing threat worldwide, affecting human health, food systems, and economies. It arises when bacteria become resistant to antibiotics due to overuse or misuse in both human medicine and livestock production. In poultry farming, the habitual use of antimicrobials to prevent or treat diseases without proper veterinary oversight accelerates the development of resistant bacteria, which can spread to humans and the environment.
To address this, the project was rolled out in eight key districts across Zimbabwe: Bubi, Chegutu, Masvingo, Marondera, Murewa, Mutare, Mutasa, and Zvimba. It employed the Farmer Field School (FFS) approach, a participatory and practical training model that allows farmers to learn by doing. Through this approach, farmers gained essential knowledge in disease prevention, improved poultry husbandry, and ways to enhance biosecurity, all aimed at reducing dependency on antimicrobials.
FAO’s Livestock Development Officer, Berhanu Bedane, highlighted the project’s success during a review meeting, emphasizing how the initiative reflects the effectiveness of the One Health approach. This approach promotes collaboration across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors to solve shared problems like AMR. He noted that the focus was not only on awareness but on practical, evidence-based strategies that farmers could implement in their day-to-day operations.
One of the critical tools used in the project was the baseline Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey. This survey guided the creation of training materials, ensuring that they were tailored to farmers’ needs and contexts. As a result, the FFS sessions became more relatable and impactful, leading to noticeable changes in farming practices and reduced use of antibiotics.
Bedane pointed out that these trainings enhanced poultry productivity while reducing infection rates. By preventing common poultry diseases through improved hygiene, vaccination, and early detection practices, farmers were less reliant on antimicrobials. He also mentioned that similar efforts are being extended to the dairy sector, further underlining the broader application of these strategies across livestock farming.
Dr. Pious Makaya, Chief Director of the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), praised the project’s alignment with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030. He underlined how improving animal health contributes directly to human health, food safety, and national food security. Dr. Makaya also acknowledged that addressing AMR is complex and requires integrated, multi-sectoral solutions.
Looking forward, both FAO and the Government of Zimbabwe reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining and building upon these gains. Discussions are already underway for a second phase of the MPTF project. These efforts also contribute to global targets under the RENOFARM initiative, which aims to reduce the need for antimicrobials on farms through preventive health strategies and better farm management.
By empowering farmers with knowledge, resources, and alternatives to antibiotics, Zimbabwe is setting a strong example in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. This progress not only benefits the poultry industry but also strengthens national and global efforts to ensure safe, sustainable food systems for future generations.
