November 2025

Zvikomborero Farms’ journey to excellence began with cropping. In the early 1990s, fields were planted with the hope of steady harvests, but the results were thin and unpredictable. The land made its message clear: this was livestock country. That realisation sparked a pivot that would transform the enterprise into one of Zimbabwe’s leading models of climate-smart agriculture. The first step was water. Two large dams, eight weirs, reservoirs, and boreholes were built to capture runoff and secure supply year-round. Pasture grasses, legumes, and forage trees followed, creating reliable feed even in dry months. With the infrastructure came discipline: daily safety and quality talks, tidy kraals, calm livestock handling, and detailed records. Resilience became the backbone on which growth could stand. From there, production expanded. Stud and commercial herds of Boran, Tuli, and Mashona cattle were introduced, alongside Boer, Kalahari Red, Indigenous, and milk goats. Poultry and fish ponds added diversity, while in-house stockfeed production ensured animals stayed nourished through leaner seasons. Today, Zvikomborero sustains a large herd of cattle, hundreds of goats, and thriving poultry flocks, all matched carefully to both land and market demand. A turning point came in 2015 with support from the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund. Access to catalytic finance and technical expertise enabled the introduction of superior genetics, structured breeding programmes, and stronger procurement systems. Even when the pandemic disrupted supply chains, the operation adapted by producing its own feed and delivering training to women farmers via digital platforms. At the heart of it all is the Centre of Farming Excellence, where Zvikomborero runs training workshops and a farm school designed to close gaps in knowledge, skills, and attitudes across the livestock value chain.In partnership with research institutions, development partners, and private sector players, the school equips farmers with practical skills in production, marketing, and processing. The farm also hosts free field days that draw farmers from across the country, sharing insights and practices that save both time and money. Zvikomborero has also taken the lead in sectorwide transformation. Dr. Divine Simbi Ndhlukula founded the Goat Breeders Association of Zimbabwe and launched the annual Goat Indaba, which now draws stakeholders from across the goat value chain. Through these platforms, the goat industry has been transformed and fully commercialised, opening new markets and lifting standards nationwide. Recognition has followed. At the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, Zvikomborero has consistently scooped major wins, taking the top position as Overall Livestock Winner multiple times. Zvikomborero is more than a business. It is part of its community, empowering women (who make up 52% of the workforce and lead the goat section), supporting youth, and sharing knowledge that helps other farmers thrive. The farm has donated bulls to the Manyene community of smallholder farmers, provided free training, and driven advances in breeding and genetics that are strengthening herds across the region. Looking ahead, ambitions in dairy are growing, with milk production set to expand by 2027, the next chapter in a story defined by resilience, inclusion, and excellence. The Standard 14 September 2025