Zimbabwe Calls for Stronger Partnerships to Drive Livestock Growth

Zimbabwe has called for stronger international and regional partnerships to bolster its livestock sector, describing the industry as central to food security, rural livelihoods and economic recovery.

Speaking at the Livestock Ministerial Deep Dive during the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), the Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development said the country had made progress but still faced pressing challenges that required collaboration.

“Livestock is the bedrock of livelihoods for over 60 percent of our population, a primary source of nutrition and a key driver of economic growth,” he said.

The official outlined several milestones under Zimbabwe’s Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan, which aligns with the National Development Strategy.

These include the establishment of Ward Drought Mitigation Centres across 1,620 rural wards following the 2023/24 El Niño-induced drought. The centres provided water, feed and dipping services, helping to save more than 90 percent of the two million cattle at risk.

Other achievements include expanded vaccination programmes to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), genetic improvement through artificial insemination, and efforts to strengthen meat, dairy and leather value

Despite these gains, Zimbabwe continues to grapple with transboundary animal diseases, including FMD and Theileriosis (January Disease), which threaten exports. Climate change also remains a significant challenge, with the government pushing for climate-smart production systems.
Zimbabwe Calls for Stronger Partnerships to Drive Livestock Growth

Zimbabwe has called for stronger international and regional partnerships to bolster its livestock sector, describing the industry as central to food security, rural livelihoods and economic recovery.

Speaking at the Livestock Ministerial Deep Dive during the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF), the Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development said the country had made progress but still faced pressing challenges that required collaboration.

“Livestock is the bedrock of livelihoods for over 60 percent of our population, a primary source of nutrition and a key driver of economic growth,” he said.

The official outlined several milestones under Zimbabwe’s Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan, which aligns with the National Development Strategy.

These include the establishment of Ward Drought Mitigation Centres across 1,620 rural wards following the 2023/24 El Niño-induced drought. The centres provided water, feed and dipping services, helping to save more than 90 percent of the two million cattle at risk.

Other achievements include expanded vaccination programmes to combat Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), genetic improvement through artificial insemination, and efforts to strengthen meat, dairy and leather value

Despite these gains, Zimbabwe continues to grapple with transboundary animal diseases, including FMD and Theileriosis (January Disease), which threaten exports. Climate change also remains a significant challenge, with the government pushing for climate-smart production systems.

The official revealed that Zimbabwe, with FAO’s support, had completed its first Livestock Greenhouse Gas Inventory to guide adaptation and mitigation measures.

The country is seeking targeted partnerships with key organizations: ILRI on vaccine development and climate-smart feed innovations, AU-IBAR on harmonizing livestock policies and strengthening early warning systems, GIZ on private sector investment in value chains and farmer skills training.

Zimbabwe also expressed interest in learning from other African countries on innovative financing and structuring public-private partnerships in the livestock sector.

“The transformation of Africa’s livestock sector is not a choice but a necessity,” the Permanent Secretary said. “Let this forum be the launchpad for concrete, country-led action. Zimbabwe is ready to play its part.”

The official revealed that Zimbabwe, with FAO’s support, had completed its first Livestock Greenhouse Gas Inventory to guide adaptation and mitigation measures.

The country is seeking targeted partnerships with key organizations: ILRI on vaccine development and climate-smart feed innovations, AU-IBAR on harmonizing livestock policies and strengthening early warning systems, GIZ on private sector investment in value chains and farmer skills training.

Zimbabwe also expressed interest in learning from other African countries on innovative financing and structuring public-private partnerships in the livestock sector.

“The transformation of Africa’s livestock sector is not a choice but a necessity,” the Permanent Secretary said. “Let this forum be the launchpad for concrete, country-led action. Zimbabwe is ready to play its part.”