Zim hosts first ever rabbit meat expo

Bulawayo (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe will next week host the first- ever rabbit meat expo as demand for the meat soars on the back of its varied health benefits.

The event will be held on 19 November in Bulawayo, organised by Midesha, a corporate member of rabbit farmers lobby group, the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA), which has been promoting the production and consumption of rabbit meat in the country.

ZICORBA vice chairperson, who is also chair of Midesha, Siposethu Ncube-Moyo, said the idea of the expo was to popularise the consumption of rabbit meat and to showcase the many ways of preparing the dish, from traditional to fine-dining.

“We have seen a sharp rise in demand for rabbit meat mainly because of its numerous health benefits. The expo is meant to showcase the different ways of preparing rabbit meat, which is still relatively a new dish in the country.

“We themed it ‘The Big Deal’ because this event will bring families together to have fun while enjoying rabbit meat prepared by some of Bulawayo’s prominent Chefs. Rabbit meat is indeed the big deal on the meat market in Zimbabwe. Our vision as Midesha is to make rabbit meat a household dish in Country,” she said.

Nutritionists and health experts say that rabbit meat is an “excellent” source of protein, which keeps humans healthy by building and repairing their muscles, skin and blood.

Rabbit meat is also an excellent source of iron. Iron helps make healthy blood that flows through our bodies, giving us energy to be active. Rabbit meat is also an excellent source of the B vitamins B12 and niacin.

Zimbabwe, Egypt, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana and Uganda are among the top producers of rabbits in Africa.
New Ziana