Story by Fungai Jachi
A CHIREDZI farmer has transformed a small backyard poultry venture into a thriving commercial enterprise, demonstrating the potential of modern poultry farming to create jobs and improve livelihoods.
What began with just 150 layer birds has grown into a 20,000-bird operation, with Mrs Sthembinkosi Bhila adopting automated production systems to improve efficiency and maximise output.
“When we started, we had 150 birds, but now we have 20,000 birds in production. Because our numbers have increased, we are now using an automated system to make things easier,” she said.
The farm now supplies eggs to the local market and parts of Manicaland, maintaining production levels of between 90 and 95 percent.
“We get about 533 crates of eggs per month, supplying the local market as well as some parts of Manicaland. Production is at 90-95 per cent. We are moving with Vision 2030 as every woman should be empowered,” Mrs Bhila said.
Beyond the layer unit, the enterprise also operates two broiler houses with a combined capacity of 12,000 birds, a road runner unit, and two incubators capable of hatching 5,000 eggs each.
The project has created employment opportunities for local residents while supporting surrounding farmers through the purchase of poultry feed.
“I have a degree in Agriculture, and I am now implementing what I was taught here, and it is going well. Now we are employed locally and even inspired to start our own venture,” an employee said.
Another employee added: “We are really happy that we are seeing empowerment in play, which in turn is empowering us, locals. Now we have jobs and are sustaining our families.”
The enterprise has also emerged as a catalyst for community empowerment, with local farmers supplying poultry feed to support its growing operations.
