Harare, (New Ziana) – The Agriculture Food Systems and Rural Transformation Strategy-2 (AFSRTS-2) blueprint for 2026-2030, which is expected to be officially launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the coming few weeks, projects a 31 percent growth for chicken meat production.
According to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, Obert Jiri, the strategy will also strengthen the free-range poultry sector, directly tackling food security and poverty at the household level. “The AFSRTS-2 sets clear, ambitious targets for the poultry sector.
We project that broiler meat production will increase by 75 percent from 205,880 metric tonnes to 362 000 by 2030. Indigenous chicken meat production will grow by 31 percent from 15 545 metric tonnes to 20 500 metric tonnes by the same year. “These statistics represent improved household nutrition, increased incomes, and the empowerment of our communities.
The indigenous poultry sub-sector already demonstrates significant economic importance, with a market value of nearly US$47 million. “By scaling up production and creating structured market linkages through bodies like the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) and ZimTrade, we can unlock substantial local and export opportunities, spurring rural economic growth,” he said.
Jiri added that the initiative, which aims to distribute free-range chickens to millions of rural households, is a testament to the Government’s commitment to climate-proofing agriculture and boosting family nutrition and incomes.
Under the Presidential Poultry Scheme, each household will receive ten birds, supported by essential training to boost production and productivity. “Our vision is for every homestead to sustainably maintain a flock of up to 100 chickens, transforming them from subsistence to commercial enterprises.
The model is a living, breathing example of how this national vision can be realized on the ground,” he said. Zimbabwe’s AFSRTS-2 strategy projects a US$15.8 billion agriculture sector by 2030.
New Ziana
