MILLICENT HUNGWE
MASVINGO – A transformative livestock development project, Zimbabwe Agricultural Value Chain and Livelihoods Enhancement Project (ZAVACLEP) was launched with the support of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in partnership with Government of Zimbabwe.
The launch was held at the Lodge at the Ancient City on October 21.
The $12 million grand is being funded by the AfD Bank towards the project and Masvingo Province is one of the beneficiaries.
This initiative, is aligned with the government’s agricultural vision, aims to enhance livestock productivity, promote value addition, and strengthen value chains in drought-prone communities.
The Midweek Watch confirmed that livestock plays a significant role in Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly cattle, the sector accounts for 35–38% of the agricultural GDP.
Speaking at the official launch, Masvingo Provincial Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa emphasized the critical need to empower farmers—particularly women and youth—in the face of climate change and food insecurity.
“The project’s goals resonate deeply with the southern provinces where livelihoods heavily rely on livestock and rain-fed agriculture. Our province is prone to droughts, which can devastate productivity. I urge our farmers to adopt climate-smart and agro-ecological practices to mitigate the effects of climate change,” he said.
Dr. Pazvakavambwa applauded the government’s vision under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, which has brought several strategic interventions including the Presidential Climate-Proofed Inputs Scheme (Pfumvudza/Intwasa), the Isiphala Senkosi/Zunde Ramambo program, and the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Strategy.
“These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture and leaving no one and no place behind,” he added.
Zimbabwe’s cattle industry has deep roots in our culture, and agriculture as a whole is the backbone of our economy, with an estimated national beef herd of about 5.74 million cattle, the potential for value creation within livestock value chains is immense.
Director for the Department of Livestock Production and Development under the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), MLAFWRD, Dr. Sitokozile Sibanda, representing the Chief Director of ARDAS in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Medlinah Magwenzi, outlined the key areas of focus under the project.
These include, improving animal nutrition and genetics, strengthening disease control measures, promoting value addition through local processing of beef and leather, training and capacity-building for farmers and stakeholders
Sibanda noted that part of the on-the-ground activities would include the drilling of multipurpose solar-powered boreholes, complete with tanks and reticulation systems to support both nutrition gardens and livestock.
Additionally, the project will see the construction of livestock watering points at existing boreholes to ensure consistent water supply in rural communities.
“This program will have a lasting impact on livestock productivity and rural livelihoods, ensuring income security at household, community, and national levels,” said Sibanda.
Both officials expressed appreciation to AfDB for its unwavering support in advancing Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
They reiterated the government’s open-door policy towards development partners, emphasizing Zimbabwe’s stance as “an enemy to none and a friend to all.”
Livestock significantly contributes to food and nutrition security, employment creation, and rural livelihoods, thus aligning well with the Government and Ministry’s thrust of Rural Development 8.0, The Mid-week Watch has learnt.
However, the sector faces both challenges and opportunities. On the beef sector side, productivity remains low due to inadequate animal nutrition (e.g., offtake, calving rates), and limited access to animal health services.
PS Pazvakavambwa concluded by saying, “this is not just about agriculture, It’s about securing the future of our communities.”
