Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
WOMEN are increasingly breaking into traditionally male-dominated industries, turning them into significant avenues for economic empowerment and food security. One such example is Mrs Letwinner Nyagano from Norton, who runs a thriving piggery business that also offers industrial attachment opportunities for students.
From modest beginnings, Mrs Nyagano has emerged as a trailblazer in agribusiness, demonstrating how innovation and determination can transform both livelihoods and communities.
Her company, Nyaga City, was formed in 2008 with just three piglets, and she has transformed it to produce more than 280 000 kilogrammes of pork per annum.
An average of 200 local, regional and international farmers are trained annually at Nyaga City.
Challenging the male dominated pig farming industry, female participation at the farm is significantly high.
“Starting this business was not an easy walk in the park. I started off with 3 piglets. The business then grew into a commercial pig production, such that I now own more than 1 000 pigs altogether. I also train local farmers and those from beyond the borders, some come from as far as South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana, United Kingdom and Australia.
“What I’m excited about is that women are getting more involved in piggery, and after training them, I do follow-ups, supporting them with their pig production, and I am very happy with women’s uptake,” farmer Mrs Nyagano said.
The women employed at the farm, including college students, expressed satisfaction with the level of empowerment they are getting.
“I have 10 years of experience working here, and I love my job so much because it has transformed my life. I also look forward to starting my own piggery farming business,” one employee said.
“I am a student at Gwebi College, I am doing a Diploma in Agriculture and I am attached here. The practical knowledge that I am getting here will help me in my studies,” a student on attachment said.
Government is implementing various initiatives across the country in support of women in livestock production in a bid to foster economic empowerment and rural development.
