Story by Courage Bushe
IN A district synonymous with mining activity and chrome extraction, a quiet agricultural transformation is unfolding in Mafala Village, Zvishavane, where a local woman is breaking barriers through a thriving piggery and horticulture enterprise that is uplifting livelihoods and empowering communities.
Mrs Phyllis Magidhivani has emerged as a symbol of resilience and enterprise after venturing into commercial pig farming in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
Her project, which started as a simple idea inspired by everyday observations in the community, has since evolved into a sustainable income-generating venture benefiting several households.
“It came into my mind several times while I was out and about, seeing pigs roaming around, and I asked myself why I could not turn it into a commercial piggery project. That is when I decided to start my pastured pigs project and also put the knowledge I gained from my grandfather to use,” she said.
Magidhivani’s journey is not just about her own survival, it has transformed her community.
“The project has transformed lives and empowered us women as we are now meaningfully contributing to the welfare of our families with the extra money going towards improving our living standards,” a beneficiary said.
“The second republic is not leaving anyone behind through empowering women and the youth by creating employment, increasing incomes, and promoting food security, and this is another example where the Second Republic has empowered a woman,” a community member said.
“The farm through this piggery project has enabled us women to support our families and provide resources for education while reducing gender-based violence,” another villager said.
Zimbabwe’s livestock sector is steadily regaining ground as a key foreign currency earner, thanks to the Second Republic’s transformative policies.
