daniel chigunwe
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
About two million chicks have been distributed across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces under the Presidential Rural Poultry Scheme (PRPS) since its inception in 2022.
This initiative aims to provide new revenue streams for rural families, benefiting communities that typically lack commercial activities after crop harvests.
The programme is set to extend to three million rural households, with statistics from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development indicating significant distributions over the years: 368 331 birds in 2022, 808 122 birds in 2023, and 751 408 birds in 2024.
In intermittent droughts, free-range poultry will play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy population, offering an affordable source of protein.
The scheme seeks to increase rural income and alleviate poverty by commercialising poultry production. Traditionally, rural households raised chickens primarily for consumption, but now they are encouraged to approach poultry farming as a business, which enhances their financial stability while increasing small livestock numbers across Zimbabwe.
The breeds distributed include Boschveld, Australorp, Koekoek, Sasso, Kuroiler, and indigenous chickens.
Recently, Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association (ZFRPA) secretary general Mrs Beauty Jiji said many beneficiaries are earning a good living through the project.
She highlighted the collaboration with contracted supply chain farmers, who provide day-old chicks and fertilised eggs for hatching.
“Besides the direct beneficiaries, ZFRPA has continued to work with contracted supply chain free range poultry farmers who bring in day-old chicks and some bring in their fertilised eggs for hatching,” she said.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Women Farmers Trust president Mrs Depinah Nkomo, emphasised the scheme’s positive impact on livelihoods.
“This scheme has helped a lot. Many people are now earning a living through this initiative, which will reduce cases of prostitution and robbery due to economic empowerment,” she said.
Beneficiaries have expressed gratitude for the initiative. Mrs Sarudzai Munemo from Glenview shared how the project transformed her business, allowing her to supply chicks to the ZFRPA.
“I used to struggle to get buyers for my indigenous chickens, but I have taken advantage of the Presidential Rural Poultry Scheme,” she explained.
Similarly, Mrs Agatha Mutazu from Kuwadzana 5 noted that the programme created a ready market for her fertilised eggs.
“I am guaranteed of a market and I plan knowing that I will get my money without hassles. I am supplying eggs, but will soon be supplying chicks,”she said.
Mr Tom Tapera from Waterfalls praised the Government’s involvement in uplifting living standards through such initiatives.
“This is a wonderful project that improves standards of living. We are grateful. This will go a long way in alleviating poverty,” he said.
While primarily aimed at rural communities, urban residents will also benefit from the PRPS, which falls under the Livestock Growth Plan (2021-2025).
The poultry industry is poised for transformation into a significant economic sector, fostering the development of hatcheries, logistics and refrigeration services.
The project aligns with the government’s broader vision of creating an $8.5 billion agricultural industry by 2025, contributing to Zimbabwe’s goal of achieving food self-sufficiency and becoming the breadbasket of Africa once again.
