ZIMBABWE – Masvingo, a province in Zimbabwe, is gradually increasing its aggregate milk production and is set to become a significant milk producer in the country.

With seven start-up dairy projects scattered across the province showing considerable potential, the region is emerging as a key player in Zimbabwe’s dairy sector.

The province’s dairy sector growth, though still in its infancy, aligns with the country’s efforts to regain its former status in milk production, which has seen a steady rise in output over the past few years.

Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, Permanent Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Masvingo, stated that the province is on course to become a major milk producer in the coming years.

“The province has an infant dairy sector that is showing good signs of growth and to date, the province boasts about 7 start-ups in dairy production,” he said.

The start-up projects, including Mutendi, Mushagashe, Hamaruomba, and Nyaningwe, located in Masvingo, Gutu, and Chivi, have positioned Masvingo as a future leader in milk production.

The province is also expected to see more dairy projects established in other districts, further leveraging its potential for milk production.

Meanwhile, in Chipinge district, located in Manicaland Province, the Rusitu Dairy Scheme is making significant strides in transforming the lives of local dairy farmers and contributing to the country’s economic growth.

This community-driven initiative, established in 1984, has grown steadily over the years, with 384 smallholder dairy farmers now participating.

The scheme has been instrumental in providing farmers with a reliable market for their milk, as well as access to essential resources and support, boosting productivity and incomes.

The Rusitu Dairy Scheme has seen impressive growth, increasing its dairy cattle herd to 840, with 338 currently being milked. The scheme’s forecast is to surpass one million liters of milk annually, a target that was last reached in the 1990s.

Plans are also in place to venture into value addition, with the scheme aiming to produce cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.

Zimbabwe’s dairy sector plays a critical role in the national economy, contributing to job creation, food security, and nutrition.

The country has made significant progress in milk production, with output rising from 37 million liters in 2009 to 99.8 million liters in 2023. Zimbabwe is confident of surpassing its national milk target of 150 million liters by 2025.

However, the sector faces several challenges, including low productivity, a limited number of dairy animals, weak genetics in the dairy herd, and restricted access to affordable finance and foreign currency.

Despite these challenges, initiatives like the Rusitu Dairy Scheme are making a positive impact. The scheme’s group-based approach has allowed farmers to negotiate better prices for their milk and secure favorable deals with milk processors and distributors.

Government and international partners are also supporting the sector’s growth. The European Union-funded initiative, Transforming Zimbabwe’s Dairy Value Chain for the Future, has worked with over 4,800 dairy farmers nationwide, creating more than 14,000 jobs.

The government’s Livestock Growth Plan, part of the Agriculture, Food Systems Transformation Strategy, seeks to grow the dairy industry to US$1.9 billion by 2025.

The Rusitu Dairy Scheme’s financial performance has been equally impressive, recording a revenue of US$800,000 in the last fiscal year.

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