By Kuda Pembere
Zimbabwe’s Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) for feed and fodder systems has begun drafting a strategic plan to guide its formalization and resource mobilization efforts.
Established in May last year, the MSP comprises representatives from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MoLAFWRD), the Zimbabwe Dairy Farmers Association, the Zimbabwe Dairy Processors Association, academia, and financial institutions.
Rutendo Nyahoda, Deputy Director in the Department of Livestock Production and Development at the Ministry of Agriculture and Zimbabwe’s focal person for the Resilient Feed and Fodder Systems initiative, emphasized the importance of formulating a strategy for the feed and fodder sector. She noted that while the country has focused heavily on livestock production, the critical role of feed and fodder has often been overlooked.
It is time for feed and fodder to be recognized as an economic sector,” she said.
“Currently, those engaged in feed and fodder production are primarily livestock farmers. However, if we treat it as a value chain, we can create opportunities for individuals who may not own livestock but can produce and sell feed and fodder as a business. This would establish a viable market and drive economic activity.”
Nyahoda stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy addressing the entire feed and fodder value chain rather than a fragmented approach.
“At present, different sectors operate independently—feed production, fodder farming at an individual level, and input supply. We need a unified strategy that addresses policy and strategic challenges across all nodes of the value chain,” she added.
The strategic plan includes formalizing the MSP into an association that brings together government, the private sector, and development partners to enhance feed and fodder production, distribution, and commercialization.
Nathaniel Makoni, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Feed and Fodder Multi-Stakeholder Platform, described the strategy as a roadmap for strengthening the sector.
“To address this challenge, we need to acknowledge that one of the root causes is the availability of feed and fodder. We must plan to ensure sufficient national production, particularly in the face of climate change. As part of this effort, we are now formalizing our multi-stakeholder platform and developing a strategy,” he said.
“Just like in a marathon, you need a roadmap with milestones to guide progress and indicate when adjustments are necessary. This initiative aims to build a more resilient, robust, and sustainable platform for feed and fodder, ensuring a lasting impact on livestock production, economic sustainability, and wealth creation.”
Sithokozile Sibanda, Director of the Livestock Department in the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the significance of strategic planning, resource mobilization, and investment in strengthening the sector.
“The primary output of this workshop is a strategic plan document to drive the feed and fodder value chain in Zimbabwe. This strategy is expected to enhance resilience and growth in the livestock sector and serve as a game-changer for the feed and fodder industry,” she said.
She noted that the feed and fodder sector could contribute significantly to agricultural GDP, particularly following the devastating 2023–2024 El Niño-induced drought—the worst in over 40 years—which resulted in the loss of over 20,000 cattle.
“This severe drought led President Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa to declare a state of national disaster on April 5, 2024. The feed and fodder sector is of strategic importance, especially in the face of climate change and other global crises affecting Africa’s feed and fodder systems,” Sibanda added.
Moses Gamundani, representing Permanent Secretary Obert Jiri, underscored the need for adequate feed and fodder supplies to support critical government programs such as the Presidential Goat Scheme and Presidential Poultry Scheme.
“The success of these programs depends on ensuring a consistent supply of nutritious feed. This is an opportunity to align our planning efforts and ensure these initiatives are well-supported,” he said.
