By Rangarirai Shanyurai
About 30 villagers in Wards 7 and 8 of Chivi North received 150 goats during a field day held in Zireva Village on May 8, as part of a broader Goat Value Chain (GVC) programme aimed at improving rural livelihoods and curbing social ills among the youth.
The project, spearheaded by Heifer International in partnership with the government of Zimbabwe, has been running since 2014 and has so far reached over 3,100 farmers, distributing more than 15,500 goats across multiple wards in the district.
Speaking during the field day, Makoholi Research Institute Head, Bondera Tererai said the initiative not only provided livestock but also empowered communities with agricultural training and entrepreneurship skills.
“Each year, 30 farmers per ward receive five goats, four females and one male under strict contracts and guidelines. We have also trained 3,500 communal farmers in goat health, production, and marketing, with a target of reaching over 30,000 across the district,” said Tererai.
Tererai emphasized the project’s inclusive approach, noting its special focus on empowering women and youth.
“The goat value chain project makes it possible for women and youth to own the project and realize benefits. Government has identified agriculture as one of the key anchors of economic growth and has lined up policy measures to grow the agriculture industry.
“Agricultural value chains are expected to play a crucial facilitation role towards national and Income security as we move towards vision 2030. I implore all smallholder farmers to ensure that for all rural projects for community development, women and youth empowerment remains a priority,” said Tererai.
Masvingo Provincial Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Caleb Mahoya explained agriculture’s role in national development.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Linking communities to markets and promoting income-generating farming activities like this goat project will accelerate rural industrialization and drive us closer to achieving Vision 2030,” said Mahoya.
Ward 7 Councillor Walter Nyambi highlighted the programme’s social impact, especially among youth.
“This initiative helps to overcome financial challenges, as individuals can raise and sell goats as a source of income, benefiting many villagers in the district. The goat pass-on project empowers youth to fight drug and substance abuse by providing them with positive and valuable life skills.
“This programme has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of young people because it helps them in building confidence and self-esteem,” said Nyambi.
The project has trained community animal health workers who coordinate with veterinary officials, ensuring sustainable livestock development. Governance is overseen by local committees at the village, ward, and district levels.
