Midlands emerges as Zimbabwe's major livestock hub

THE Midlands Province has consolidated its position as one of Zimbabwe's leading livestock hubs, with its cattle population now exceeding 980 000, according to the latest national assessment.

Statistics contained in the Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report (CLAFA 2) for the 2024/25 summer season show that Midlands contributes 17,1 percent of the national herd, estimated at 5 741 397 cattle. This places the province second only to Masvingo, which tops the list with just over one million cattle.

The figures highlight the strategic importance of Midlands in national food security, rural development and the broader agro-industrial economy.

The development was revealed by the Midlands Province Director for Economic Affairs and Investment in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Kosheni Mtisi, who said the report underscores the province's growing role in Zimbabwe's livestock sector.

"According to the CLAFA 2 report for the 2024/25 summer season, the Midlands cattle population stands at 983 871, which represents 17,1 percent of the national herd, placing the province second after Masvingo with 1 002 632 cattle," Mr Mtisi said.

He said beef cattle production remains the backbone of the rural economy, sustaining thousands of households through income generation, provision of draught power and, in some communities, as a symbol of social status.

However, Mr Mtisi noted that herd expansion continues to face challenges, including high mortalities caused by tick-borne diseases, poor genetic quality of existing breeds and the gradual degradation of grazing lands.

Despite these setbacks, the dairy sector has recorded notable progress. Large-scale commercial dairy production is concentrated in Gweru, Kwekwe and Shurugwi, while smallholder dairy initiatives are expanding in districts such as Gokwe South.

"The establishment of Mafuro Dairy and Kaguvi Smallholder Dairy has significantly boosted milk output in the province, which now produces approximately 24 million litres of raw milk annually," he said.

The output accounts for about 21 percent of national milk production, reinforcing Midlands' strength in the dairy value chain. Mr Mtisi added that the sector continues to benefit from Government support and development partner interventions under the Zimbabwe Agriculture Growth Programme.

In line with climate-smart agriculture strategies, goat production is also gaining momentum, particularly in drought-prone areas.

"Goats are more tolerant to disease and harsh climatic conditions compared to cattle, and most farmers are now venturing into commercial production," Mr Mtisi said, adding that farmers are increasingly adopting high-value exotic breeds such as the Boer Goat and Kalahari Red to improve productivity and profitability.

The poultry sector has also experienced renewed growth, with both urban and rural households embracing poultry production as a key income source. Interest in indigenous chicken farming has surged, largely due to Government interventions.

"The Presidential Poultry Programme has revitalised a sector that had virtually collapsed over the past two decades due to recurring disease outbreaks such as Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza and Coccidiosis," he said.

Mr Mtisi said Midlands Province largely falls within Natural Regions III, IV and V, where rainfall is erratic and unreliable, making dependence on rain-fed agriculture risky and increasing the importance of irrigation and livestock-based livelihoods.

He said the Second Republic continues to support both crop and livestock producers through programmes aimed at improving productivity, resilience and rural incomes.

"Cotton productivity increased from 600kg per hectare in 2020 to 800kg per hectare in the 2022/2023 season, while more than 30 000 farmers benefited from the Presidential Pasture Production Scheme," he said.

Under the Presidential goat and poultry pass-on schemes, 395 goats and 120 018 chickens were distributed to farmers, contributing to increased indigenous poultry production across the province.

Mr Mtisi said the Traditional Grains Programme has also yielded positive results, with finger millet productivity rising from 0,3 tonnes per hectare to 0,6 tonnes per hectare in the 2022/2023 season.

To boost mechanisation and enhance output, the province disbursed 27 tractors last year under the Belarus facility. Eleven tractors were allocated to institutions, while 16 went to individual farmers. Additional equipment was also handed over to young farmers under the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme.

Wheat production in the province has continued on an upward trajectory.

"The hectarage under winter wheat for 2024 reached 12 081 hectares, surpassing the target of 12 000 hectares. In 2025, hectarage increased to 12 025 hectares against the same target," Mr Mtisi said.