Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
COMMUNITIES in Chivi Central have become the latest beneficiaries of the Presidential Poultry Programme, positioning themselves for enhanced livelihoods and improved household incomes.
Unveiled in the constituency this Friday, the initiative is part of the Second Republic’s broader empowerment drive aimed at boosting rural incomes, enhancing food security, and fostering self-reliance, particularly among women and young people.
As part of the programme, each beneficiary household received 50 chicks, starter feed, and comprehensive training to equip them with the skills needed to run sustainable poultry projects.
Local villagers expressed appreciation for the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention to support economic empowerment.
“We are happy that we benefitted from the Presidential Poultry Programme, each getting 50 chicks and the feed. As a young person, I see this as an opportunity to venture into poultry farming and start selling eggs,” a beneficiary said.
“We want to thank our President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa and our Legislator Cde Xavier Maoneke for remembering us here in Chivi. As villagers, this will improve our income and nutrition. The most encouraging thing is that we have received training on poultry farming and our extension workers are going to assist to ensure the project becomes a success,” another added.
The Chivi District Agriculture Extension Officer, Mr Brighton Hadzirabwi, emphasised the importance of capacity building to ensure the programme yields lasting results.
“We are training beneficiaries of the Presidential Poultry programme to ensure that they are capacitated to undertake the project. Usually, they work in groups, hence our extension officers move around assisting them with knowledge on poultry farming, and this helps in ensuring the sustainability of the project,” he said.
Honourable Maoneke who is leading the initiative locally, praised the project as part of the broader ZANU PF-led Government’s thrust to revitalise rural economies through inclusive and practical agricultural programmes.
“The Poultry project we are launching in this area is among many programmes that President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration are implementing in this area. Through this poultry project, many will be able to form groups, start selling chickens, and be able to fend for their families. We are going to ensure the sustainability of this project and support it to benefit many families,” he said.
Beyond poultry, the government has also supported communities with boreholes, nutrition gardens, livestock farming programmes, and irrigation schemes, laying the foundation for long-term agricultural transformation and rural upliftment.
