Zvishavane based PGMs producer, Mimosa is taking its livestock revitalization program to the next level, with plans to commercialize the initiative and create sustainable income streams for communities in Zvishavane and Mberengwa.
The program, implemented in partnership with the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society and the Department of Livestock in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, and Rural Development, has already made significant strides in improving cattle quality and supporting local farmers.
Speaking recently Mimosa Managing Director Fungai Makoni said since its inception, the program has distributed 600 bulls and 177 heifers to communities, significantly enhancing the genetic quality of local cattle herds.
Additionally, 746 cows were inseminated between 2020 and 2023, resulting in a 59% success rate and the birth of 450 calves. To date, over 2,000 calves have been born through the breeding bulls and artificial insemination programs, marking a major milestone in the initiative’s goal of improving livestock quality.
Mimosa has also invested in training farmers on cattle management to ensure the sustainability of the program. Ten dip tanks have been refurbished across the Zvishavane district, further supporting the health and productivity of the cattle.
Now, the company is setting its sights on commercialization. Plans are underway to create market linkages and value addition opportunities for livestock products, enabling farmers to generate income from their herds. This next phase of the program aims to empower communities by transforming livestock farming into a viable commercial enterprise.
“Our objective has always been to improve cattle quality and uplift communities,” said Makoni. “By taking this program to a commercial level, we are creating opportunities for farmers to not only sustain their livelihoods but also contribute to the local economy.”
The livestock revitalization program is part of Mimosa’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, which focus on sustainable community development. The company has also invested in community gardens, infrastructure, and education, demonstrating its commitment to leaving a lasting positive impact in the areas where it operates.
Zimbabwe’s cattle industry, a vital pillar of the country’s agricultural economy, has been a focal point of the government’s Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan (2021-2026), targeting a national beef cattle herd of 6 million by 2025. Starting from 5.5 million in 2019, the herd grew to 5,509,983 in early 2023 and reached 5,741,397 by 2024—a modest 0.4% increase—still falling short of the 2025 goal by about 258,603 cattle.
