Zimbabwe’s commercial livestock farmers are stepping up efforts to improve beef quality and strengthen the country’s cattle industry, as part of a national drive to rebuild the national herd and enhance meat production.
The initiative was highlighted at a recent field day organised by the Zimbabwe Beef Producers Society at a commercial farm in Gweru, where top breeders and agricultural officials gathered to showcase new technologies and farming techniques. Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Davis Marapira, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalising the beef sector under the Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan.
“The beef industry is one of the most important pillars of our agricultural economy,” Marapira said. “It provides food security, employment, and supports thousands of livelihoods across rural communities.”
Central to the government’s plan is improving cattle genetics through artificial insemination, introducing high-quality breeds such as Brahman, Boran, and Beefmaster. The Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) has also expanded access to goat and sheep breeds like Boer and Saanen in a bid to increase productivity and disease resistance among livestock.
Support for this effort includes the recent importation of over 1,000 semen straws from superior breeds, the establishment of a national semen processing and storage facility at the Matopos Research Institute, and a broad rollout of veterinary services. Farmers are also being trained on sustainable beef production, fodder cultivation, animal health, and best practices in breeding.
In addition to technical support, the government has introduced financial incentives to make beef farming more viable. The 15% VAT on live animal sales was scrapped in 2024, and there are ongoing calls from industry stakeholders to remove VAT on processed beef products to further ease the burden on producers.
Meanwhile, the establishment of Cattle Business Centres (CBCs) across provinces is helping connect rural farmers to markets, extension services, and business training. Ten main centres and 48 satellite centres are now operational, offering services ranging from dipping tanks to veterinary care and feed distribution.
Early signs suggest that the efforts are beginning to yield results, with some commercial farms reporting significant improvements in calving rates and meat quality. Officials say that with continued support, Zimbabwe is on track to meet its target of increasing the national herd from 5.5 million to over 6 million by the end of 2025.
As the sector recovers from years of disease outbreaks, drought, and market disruptions, both the government and private players see the latest efforts as a major step towards restoring Zimbabwe’s status as a regional beef producer.
