shloboe boe
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (Zicorba) this year intends to introduce contract-growing schemes and accessible loan facilities for farmers to address the rising rabbit meat demand whose monthly consumption is estimated to be above ten tonnes.
Over the past five years, Zicorba has led the transformation of the local cuniculture industry from a backyard activity into a vibrant and lucrative business enterprise with the country now among the leading rabbit producers in Africa.
It is in this context that Zicorba in collaboration with one of its corporate members — Raymeg Consultants, in 2021 established a US$1 million rabbit abattoir.
The abattoir, which is located in Waterfalls, Harare has a slaughter capacity of 3 500 rabbits in an eight-hour shift.
Zicorba president, Mr Regis Nyamakanga said: “The demand for rabbit meat — rated as the healthiest white meat — continues to surge, with monthly consumption now estimated upwards of 10 tonnes.
“To address this growing appetite, Zicorba and its partners will implement innovative measures such as contract growing schemes, accessible loan facilities for farmers and rabbit production programmes in schools and colleges.
“The introduction of artificial insemination programmes will further enhance our productivity, ensuring that supply can meet this burgeoning demand.”
He said Zicorba is also exploring collaborations with insurance providers to safeguard rabbit farmers from potential risks and with experts to develop local vaccines to mitigate disease challenges.
Mr Nyamakanga said the rabbit industry is poised to play a significant role in the growth of Zimbabwe’s small livestock sector.
“With a target to uplift the livelihoods of 1,8 million households over the next five years, we are on path to improving lives, creating jobs and fostering economic growth.
“This is particularly important for our youth and women in rural, urban and peri-urban areas where opportunities in rabbit farming are unlocking pathways to prosperity.
“Zimbabwe has also taken the lead in value addition, with products such as rabbit burgers, pies, samoosas, polony, sausages and biltong gaining popularity in local markets,” he said.
The Government has urged all stakeholders in farming to invest more in value addition for both crop and livestock value chains to boost the overall performance of the agriculture sector expected to grow to a US$13,75 billion industry this year.
In 2021, the agriculture industry hit the initial target of US$8,2 billion underpinned by improved productivity and production across all the sub-sectors.
For the cuniculture industry, Mr Nyamakanga said going forward, plans are afoot for a rabbit expo where farmers from Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries will showcase their breeds and exchange knowledge.
The initiative will not only strengthen regional co-operation, but also highlight rabbit farmers’ commitment to excellence and growth.
“With an estimated 15 000 rabbit farmers and the potential to grow the industry from its current US$2,5 million valuation to a US$25 million enterprise in short to medium term and to US$100 million in the long term, we are on the brink of unprecedented success.
“However, achieving this goal requires our collective hard work, focus, dedication, innovation and collaboration,” he said.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
