A cross-section of livestock players is today expected to gather for the second edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Livestock Conference at the Zimbabwe International Conference and Exhibition Smart City (ZICES) in Bulawayo.
The high-level event is held under the theme: “Advancing Livestock Value Chains for Economic Development”, setting the tone for renewed momentum in the sector.
The Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, is expected to headline the conference.
The conference will bring together key stakeholders in the livestock sector to explore strategies for boosting productivity, strengthening value chains and enhancing market access.
Farmers are expected to gain critical insights on how to move beyond subsistence production towards building export-oriented enterprises, as experts unpack what it takes to breed premium grass-fed quality livestock and strengthen disease control systems for Zimbabwean producers, among other topical issues.
The gathering is expected to stimulate growth and sharpen focus across the livestock value chain, with buyers of livestock, feed suppliers and providers of livestock management equipment all set to benefit from structured networking opportunities.
Dr Masuka is expected to deliver a keynote address focusing on advancing livestock value chains and Economic Development.
The high-level conference will feature a strong line-up of speakers drawn from Government, industry, academia and development institutions.
These include the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, Bulawayo Agricultural Society Council president, Mr Promise Ncube and AFC Holdings regional manager, Mrs Priscilla Musundire.
Other notable speakers are International Livestock Research Institute country representative, Professor Sifelani Jabulani Dube, Livestock and Meat Advisory Council chief executive officer, Dr Reneth Mano, and Agricultural Marketing Authority chief executive, Ms Alice Mapfiza.
The conference is hosted by the ZITF Company in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and the Bulawayo Agricultural Society (BAS).
A cattle sale is also expected to take place during the conference, a development seen as crucial in improving farmers’ access to lucrative markets while offering opportunities to sell livestock at competitive prices.
Livestock remains a cornerstone of rural livelihoods, supporting more than 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s population, while also serving as a vital source of nutrition and a key pillar of the national economic recovery and growth agenda.AI technology implementation
Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to rebuild and expand its national herd to 12 million cattle by 2034, a target officials say is increasingly attainable following the growth of the country’s stud livestock population to over 24 000 registered animals.
This figure is expected to unlock the full potential of the livestock sector as the country targets a US$25 billion industry by 2030.
Organisers say the platform will focus on critical areas such as animal health, genetics and breeding, nutrition, market access and youth participation in livestock value chains.
The event is part of ZITF Company’s broader efforts to position Bulawayo as a hub for agricultural innovation and dialogue while supporting the growth of Zimbabwe’s livestock sector.-herald
