Botswana Embraces Commercial Rabbit Farming Inspired By Zimbabwe’s Model
Botswana is making significant strides into commercial rabbit farming, drawing strongly on Zimbabwe’s successful production and processing model. This development follows TIPARE Private Limited’s acquisition of a two-and-a-half-hectare piece of land in Francistown, marking the country’s commitment to diversifying its livestock sector. TIPARE is a wholly-owned Batswana company and aims to position Francistown near the Zimbabwe border as a key hub for rabbit production, processing, and cross-border trade.
Rabbit farming in Zimbabwe experienced a remarkable resurgence after the launch of the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA) in July 2021. ZICORBA has played a pivotal role in coordinating farmers, providing essential technical training, promoting standardised production practices, and improving access to local and international markets. These initiatives have transformed Zimbabwe’s rabbit farming activities into a structured, commercially viable livestock subsector, aligned with the objectives of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which seeks to boost agricultural value chains and empower women, youth, and rural communities.
TIPARE’s ambitious plans encompass more than just primary production. According to TIPARE chairperson Ms Timbu Iris Ntjenje, the project includes the establishment of Botswana’s largest commercial rabbit farm, a dedicated training centre, a tannery, a meat hub, a rabbit meat restaurant, and a first-of-its-kind rabbit abattoir. This comprehensive infrastructure aims to anchor the entire rabbit value chain in Botswana, stimulating skills development, creating employment opportunities, adding value locally, and fostering agri-industrial growth in the diamond-rich region.
The project benefits extensively from regional expertise. Notably, TIPARE’s board includes ZICORBA president Mr Regis Nyamakanga and Mrs Paidamoyo Nyamakanga, who are recognized leaders in Zimbabwe’s rabbit sector. They operate Zimbabwe’s only rabbit abattoir — one of Africa’s largest — and have successfully spearheaded the development and commercialisation of diverse rabbit meat products. Their involvement ensures the project benefits from proven production models, processing capabilities, and innovative downstream advancements that TIPARE intends to adapt to Botswana’s unique market demands.
Francistown’s strategic location on the border allows for easy access to established trade corridors, making it an ideal centre for regional rabbit production, processing, and knowledge exchange. TIPARE envisions strengthening collaboration between rabbit farmers across Botswana and Zimbabwe, thereby promoting regional agricultural integration and shared economic prosperity.
The Botswana project aligns with regional aspirations to empower women and youth through agribusiness opportunities. For instance, Zimbabwean rabbit farmers like Mrs Tafadzwa Mlambo, who transitioned from subsistence rabbit rearing to managing a commercial processing enterprise thanks to ZICORBA’s training and facilitation, exemplify the sector’s potential to uplift marginalised groups and foster entrepreneurship.
BOTARE’s commitment to establishing a rabbit training centre demonstrates an understanding of the importance of capacity building. By equipping women and young people with knowledge and skills, the project bolsters inclusive economic growth and helps address unemployment challenges in Botswana’s rural and peri-urban areas.
This collaborative regional approach between Botswana and Zimbabwe represents a forward-thinking strategy to diversify livestock farming and boost food security. By replicating and adapting Zimbabwe’s tested commercial rabbit farming framework, Botswana is poised to unlock new value chains, generate rural employment, and enhance regional trade networks.
In conclusion, Botswana’s push into commercial rabbit farming, facilitated by TIPARE and supported by Zimbabwean expertise, heralds a new livestock subsector anchored on sustainability, innovation, and regional cooperation. It promises meaningful socio-economic benefits and positions southern Africa as a leader in alternative livestock production and agri-industrial development.
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