The European Union (EU) has loaned out US $8m to the Pig
Producers Association of Zimbabwe (PPAZ) in Zimbabwe. These funds will go towards improving livestock
production and market competitiveness.
PPAZ chairman Mr George Mudanga said the funds will be channelled to 56 000 piggery farmers and 800 000 farmers in goat production by 2023. He further added that the programme was part of the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP), which is aimed at improving food security. He also clarified that the programme is for commercial livestock rearing, not poverty alleviation.
According to media reports, all projects are being done with guidance from the Government to ensure that the programme conformed with national policies. Moreover, farmer registration had been done and a verification exercise was underway. Last week, the team was in Mashonaland West Province for verification of names.
Farmers can join the project and choose the area they want to specialise in, either goat or piggery rearing. Mr Mudanga said plans to construct an abattoir in Selous, Mashonaland West Province, were afoot. The abattoir, he explained, would be used for slaughtering the pigs and goats.
Meanwhile, more abattoirs are set to be constructed in all provinces. Action Aid team leader for the ZAGP Mr Newton Chari said the project sought to capacitate farmers through improving the agribusiness environment.
He explained that the pork value chain is aimed at providing pork for markets in Bulawayo and Harare and we have created production corridors in Matabeleland North and South for Bulawayo and Mashonaland East and West (provinces) for the Harare market.
