Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE Presidential Heifer Programme, being rolled out across the country is significantly impacting youths in Manicaland by providing them with a steady source of income and nutrition while equipping them with valuable skills to take charge of their future.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Presidential Youths Integrated Empowerment Scheme, launched in 2022, has empowered 70 youths in the province with heifers, fostering agricultural growth and self-sufficiency.
“As youths from Manicaland province, we are grateful for being given cattle today. I had no cattle before, and this is my first time to own a cow,” said one beneficiary.
“I have benefited from the Presidential Heifer Programme, and i want to thank the president for the support,” thanked another.
Member of Parliament Youth Quarter for Manicaland Province, Sternly Sakupwanya addressed the targeted impact and implementation of the Heifer Pass-On Programme while handing over the heifers at ARDA Transau in Mutare rural.
“This scheme launched by President Mnangagwa to give youths cattle will see the calves being passed on to other youths under the programme,” he said.
The government will be monitoring the project to evaluate its success.
“As you know that in 2022, President Mnangagwa launched the presidential youths integrated and empowerment scheme and distributed 700 cattle to the youths countrywide, with every province being allocated 70 cattle.
“The provinces which have already benefited from this project include Mashonaland East Province, Harare Province, Matabeleland South Province, and Matabeleland North Province, and we are looking for Masvingo, Midlands and Mashonaland Central Province, among other remaining provinces, to also benefit. All provinces were allocated cattle,” explained Project Coordinator, Nickros Kajengo.
The scheme aimed at empowering the youths is also expected to boost national livestock production to ensure food security for vulnerable communities.
