Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (Zicorba), in partnership with Raymeg Consultants Private Limited Group, is set to introduce a nationwide contract farming scheme for rabbit producers within the next three months.
The initiative, announced by Grace Chengeta, chairperson of Zicorba’s Harare Chapter, seeks to enhance productivity and promote sustainable growth in the country’s emerging rabbit industry.
Chengeta revealed the plans during a rabbit production training workshop held in Harare on Friday.
The event, organised by Zicorba in collaboration with Agritex, drew farmers from Mahusekwa Communal Lands in Seke District, Mashonaland East.
Participants received expert guidance on key aspects of rabbit farming, including breeding techniques, nutrition, and disease control.
“Priority will be given to Zicorba members who already have approved cages and breeding stock,” Chengeta said.
“This is a game-changer for the rabbit farming industry, as it tackles two of our biggest challenges; access to inputs and access to markets; under one programme.”
Under the initiative, Raymeg will provide participating farmers with rabbit feed and guaranteed market access for their produce.
Paidamoyo Nyamakanga, executive director of Raymeg, said demand for rabbit meat and related value-added products had surged in recent months as more Zimbabweans turned to healthier dietary options.
“Rabbit meat is lean, high in protein, and cholesterol-free; it is the healthiest meat you can put on your plate,” Nyamakanga said.
“Through this contract scheme, we are not just buying rabbits; we are building a sustainable industry that will create income for farmers and put premium-quality meat on Zimbabwean tables.”
Raymeg, a pan-African diversified group with interests in strategic communication, real estate, agriculture, agro-processing, and retail, owns Zimbabwe’s only rabbit abattoir and a chain of fast-food outlets, Rabbit Grill, which serves a variety of rabbit meat products.
Since its establishment in 2020, the association has positioned itself as the sole representative body for rabbit farmers in Zimbabwe, leading training programmes and advocacy efforts to integrate rabbit production into mainstream agriculture.
The contract growing scheme comes at a time when the rabbit farming sector is attracting growing interest, particularly among smallholder farmers and youth, thanks to its low input requirements and short production cycles.
Government support was evident at the training attended by Agritex officials Caroline Kambudzi and Peter Chanengeta.
The initiative forms part of a broader push by Zicorba and its partners to equip farmers with the technical skills, resources, and market access needed to transform rabbit farming into a viable and sustainable agribusiness in Zimbabwe.
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