Livestock practical solutions key to boosting Zimbabwe’s agriculture sector to US$15.8 billion by 2030
The Government of Zimbabwe is urging livestock farmers and stakeholders to devise practical solutions to the numerous challenges facing the sector, a move that is pivotal to achieving the ambitious target of growing the agricultural economy to US$15.8 billion by 2030. This target forms part of the country’s Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy 2 (AFSRTS 2), which spans from 2026 to 2030.
Addressing delegates at the second Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company Livestock Conference held in Bulawayo, Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Davis Marapira, stressed the paramount importance of the livestock sector under the new strategy.
Livestock sector as a driver of growth
Deputy Minister Marapira highlighted that the strategy heavily emphasises climate-smart livestock production. This includes increasing beef exports, promoting livestock diversification, and improving feeding practices to enhance product value throughout the chain. “We anticipate the livestock sector to be a critical engine propelling growth, raising its estimated value from US$10.3 billion in 2025 to US$15.8 billion by 2030,” he said.
The approach under AFSRTS 2 focuses on five essential elements: food and nutrition security, improved livelihoods, strengthening the agriculture-based economy, economic development, and reinforcing land tenure security. The Deputy Minister underlined that the livestock industry directly contributes to each of these pillars.
Progress highlights and rural development initiatives
The first phase of Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation has already yielded impressive results. National cattle numbers have grown to over 5.7 million head, while annual milk production has risen to 114 million litres. Notably, the poultry and pork subsectors have also demonstrated commendable growth.
Government-led rural development programmes such as Rural Development 8.0, Presidential Poultry Scheme, and the Presidential Dipping Programme have been instrumental in reshaping rural economies by improving nutrition and generating income through livestock farming.
“These initiatives represent strategic investments setting a strong foundation for commercial production,” Marapira noted, emphasising collaboration among all stakeholders to confront future challenges.
Addressing challenges: climate change, drought, and disease
Zimbabwe’s livestock sector continues to grapple with pressing obstacles, notably the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts linked to climate change. These droughts severely restrict pasture growth and water availability, critical inputs for sustainable livestock farming.
Additionally, disease outbreaks such as January Disease cause market disruptions and threaten productivity. Marapira stressed the necessity of building a resilient, productive, and commercially oriented livestock sector that can withstand such shocks.
“We should not only speak about droughts but must prioritize actionable solutions within this forum. How do we manage drought challenges innovatively and effectively?” he challenged fellow stakeholders.
Research and innovation for climate resilience
The Deputy Minister called for livestock research in Zimbabwe to centre efforts on enhancing climate resilience, improving indigenous breeds, and boosting the productivity of smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the agricultural sector.
Case study: Zimbabwe’s smallholder farmers and climate-smart livestock practices
In Zimbabwe’s Midlands province, smallholder livestock farmer Grace Moyo exemplifies the transformative potential of climate-smart agriculture. Facing recurrent droughts, Grace adopted rotational grazing and improved indigenous breeds recommended by local agricultural extension officers. Her herd’s health and productivity have improved markedly, enabling her to supply milk and poultry products to nearby markets consistently. Grace’s story is a testament to how national strategies translate into on-the-ground successes.
Alignment with national development and inclusive growth
The livestock sector’s expansion aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which underscores sustainable agricultural growth, economic diversification, and poverty reduction. By investing in livestock, Zimbabwe can enhance food and nutrition security, provide employment opportunities for women and youth, and stimulate rural economies.
Women’s involvement, in particular, is being bolstered through targeted programmes that improve access to markets, inputs, and training. This is vital for empowering communities and creating an inclusive agricultural economy that leaves no one behind.
The way forward
The Government’s call for practical solutions resonates with the need for collaborative innovation among farmers, researchers, policymakers, and the private sector. By prioritising climate-smart practices, disease management, and market diversification, Zimbabwe’s livestock industry is poised to become a powerhouse of economic growth and rural transformation.
Deputy Minister Marapira’s message is clear: the time to act is now. Through collective effort and strategic investment, Zimbabwe can meet its ambitious goal to grow the agriculture sector to US$15.8 billion by 2030, ensuring food security and prosperity for all its people.
References: Zimbabwe Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development; AFSRTS 2 strategic documents; ZITF Company Livestock Conference reports.
For farmers like Grace Moyo and policymakers alike, embracing practical, innovative solutions in livestock agriculture is not just an option – it is the path to a sustainable, prosperous future for Zimbabwe.
FFA Explainer:
Climate-smart livestock production refers to farming practices that sustainably increase productivity, enhance resilience to climate change, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These practices include improved feeding, breed selection, pasture management, and efficient water use to secure sustainable livelihoods.
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