Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE Government has launched a US$25 million Livestock Infrastructure Fund aimed at boosting livestock production, strengthening farm infrastructure and combating diseases that continue to affect the sector.
The facility, which initially targets 5 000 farmers, seeks to improve livestock productivity while addressing challenges such as January disease as part of the Livestock Recovery Growth Plan.
Chief Director for Agriculture Engineering and Farm Infrastructure Development, Engineer Edwin Zimhunga, said the fund was introduced to address the imbalance in agricultural financing, which has traditionally favoured crop production.
“We realised there has been a bias towards crop production within the agricultural sector. We then thought of bringing in financial models aimed at livestock production. Farm infrastructure is critical to guarantee livestock health. This is private sector-driven. We will establish grazing herds to pen-fed facilities, while dip tanks, spray races and agro-energy facilities will also be established,” he said.
The fund is open to farmers nationwide, including women and young people, in line with the Government’s inclusive development agenda.
“Farmers can approach the financial institutions of their choice to access the funding. They have to pay a US$15 application fee. Women can visit the Women’s Bank, while youths can access the facility through Empower Bank. It is a one-size-fits-all approach to ensure people derive maximum benefits from their efforts,” Engineer Zimhunga said.
The initiative is expected to accelerate the growth of Zimbabwe’s national herd through improved livestock infrastructure and enhanced disease control.
