Story by Yolanda Moyo
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Company is set to host a livestock conference this month in Bulawayo, aiming to address the critical issues facing the sector following an El-Nino-induced drought last year.
The inaugural livestock conference will be held from March 20 to March 21, following a period of severe drought that devastated livestock in Zimbabwe, particularly last year.
The conference aims to provide a platform for stakeholders to address the challenges posed by the drought and to explore strategies for fostering sustainable livestock development.
“The conference, which comes at a time when farmers are grappling with the aftermath of severe livestock losses, is expected to draw experts, farmers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions and strategies for rebuilding the sector.
“The conference aims to address the challenges faced by livestock farmers and explore sustainable solutions for the future. With the effects of climate change becoming increasingly apparent, the event will focus on strategies for drought resilience, improved animal husbandry, and disease control,” ZITF’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Nicholas Ndebele said.
The conference will explore opportunities for value addition, market access and investment in the livestock sector.
“The government is determined to see livestock become a key pillar of our economy. We believe that by investing in this sector, we can create jobs, boost exports, and improve the livelihoods of our rural communities. This conference will play a crucial role in achieving these goals. The conference will also highlight the importance of value addition, exploring opportunities for processing and marketing livestock products,” Dr Ndebele stated.
The government has set its sights on developing a US$1.9 billion livestock economy by the end of this year.
