Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. THE Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (Zicorba) is set to launch a national rabbit breeders register aimed at certifying and listing bona fide rabbit breeders across the country, in a move expected to transform the industry
The register, which will be the first of its kind in Zimbabwe, is designed to bring order, professionalism, and credibility to the fast-growing rabbit farming sector.
According to Kingston Rapukeni, Zicorba’s secretary for inspection and certification, the initiative will ensure that only breeders meeting set standards are formally recognized.
“The register will protect farmers and consumers by eliminating fly-by-night operators and promoting trust in rabbit products,” Rapukeni said.
“It will also serve as an official reference point for buyers, investors, and regulatory authorities, ensuring that rabbit farming in Zimbabwe meets both national and international standards.”
Rapukeni noted that certified breeders would benefit from improved access to markets, technical support, and financing opportunities, as their inclusion in the register would serve as proof of compliance with industry standards.
“This is a game-changer for our members because recognition on the register automatically boosts their credibility, opening doors to partnerships with hotels, supermarkets, and exporters,” he added.
He further explained that the register would help Zicorba monitor breeding practices, curb the spread of diseases, and promote the use of traceable breeding stock.
“In the long run, this will enhance productivity, improve the quality of rabbit meat and related products, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s position as a leader in rabbit farming on the continent,” Rapukeni said.
Zicorba has members nationwide and has been at the forefront of commercialising rabbit farming in Zimbabwe, including establishing the country’s first rabbit abattoir and developing rabbit meat products.
The introduction of the breeders register is part of the association’s broader efforts to professionalize the industry and align it with global best practices.
The register is expected to be officially launched early next year.
Meanwhile, Zicorba president Regis Nyamakanga revealed that Zimbabwe is currently facing a shortage of rabbit meat as consumer demand surges ahead of production.
“We are seeing renewed consumer interest in rabbit meat because it is a healthy, high-protein option. But production simply hasn’t caught up. We are urging rabbit farmers to scale up breeding and improve supply-chain coordination to avoid longer-term shortages,” Nyamakanga said.
Health and nutrition experts highlight rabbit meat’s dietary advantages: it is high in protein, low in fat and cholesterol compared with many red meats, and provides essential vitamins and minerals, notably B-vitamins and phosphorus.
These nutritional benefits make rabbit meat increasingly attractive to health-conscious consumers and those with cardiovascular concerns.
Zimbabwe is widely recognised as one of the leading producers of rabbit meat in Africa and a pioneer in rabbit value-added products, including burgers, sausages, polony, pies, and biltong.
Despite this, retailers and processors are reporting a current shortage of both fresh rabbit meat and value-added products, highlighting the need for increased production to match growing demand.
Zicorba is calling on farmers to take practical steps, including increasing breeding rates through better doe management, investing in feed efficiency and improved breeds.
“With coordinated action, we can stabilise supplies within months, lift incomes for smallholders, and meet growing consumer demand,” Nyamakanga added.
Retailers and processors warn that immediate relief will depend on rapid production increases and smoother farm-to-market logistics. Currently, rabbit meat in Zimbabwe is retailed at around US$7 per kilogramme
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