November 1, 2022

Zimbabwe urged to back local poultry projects

Prominent Matabeleland South poultry farmer Peter Cunningham challenged the government of Zimbabwe to support poultry projects in the country.

Cunningham, who is also the director of Sondelani Ranching, said poultry production can be a game-changer for the economy. Addressing delegates at Shalom Campsite, he said talks were in progress with the government to acquire more land to revolutionise agriculture and turn Matabeleland green.

Cunningham dismissed the myth that Matabeleland is a dry region that cannot sustain itself in terms of food security.

"To say we are in region four or five, and, therefore, there is not enough rainfall to produce food for ourselves is a lie," he said. "We can produce more and even export to neighbouring countries. For example, in comparison with Israel, Matabeleland is six times the size of Israel's population of 3.5 million people.

"Israel's rainfall is 730mm, and Matabeleland's rainfall is three times that, yet Matabeleland is food insecure and has been importing food."

Cunningham, who is also the chairperson of Ebenezer Training Centre, said US$350 million were injected into the centre to improve agricultural activities. Hamara head of marketing and public relations manager Clemence Mutanga said the project was able to train over 14,000 people over the years.

"It has brought visible change to families and communities through generation of sustainable income.  Another project, Africa Alive, has been launched for young people aged 18 to 28 years who are into poultry community projects and other small business ventures," Mutanga said.

Lupane Youth Development Trust programmes officer Zibusiso Moyo said 50 youths from Lupane were working in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation to train youth in poultry projects at the Shalom Training Centre.

"We realised that Lupane is easily affected by climate change issues, which has resulted in poverty in the area.  Youths need hands-on experience and be able to start their own businesses,'' Moyo said.

- News Day