The ManicaPost
Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
RABBIT farmers in Manicaland have been challenged to commercialise their operations by rearing high-yielding species in order to adequately supply the local and lucrative export markets.
This came after the Chinese Embassy recently expressed interest in working with rabbit farmers in the country and open doors for them to export rabbit meat to the vast Asian country market.
However, cuniculture, an agricultural practice of breeding and raising domestic rabbits, usually for their meat, fur, or wool, is still being mostly done as a backyard and subsistence business.
Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA), which is leading in the transformation of rabbit farming into commercial and viable enterprise, has partnered with the Chinese Embassy in training farmers in rearing rabbits professionally.
Last week, they trained 204 farmers drawn from all districts in Manicaland.
ZICORBA president, Mr Regis Nyamakanga said their goal is to improve livelihoods of over 1.5 million households in Zimbabwe, and create employment opportunities, particularly for the youth and women.
“Our aim is to make rabbit meat the preferred dish in Zimbabwe due to its immense health benefits, thus improving the livelihoods of millions of households. By promoting widespread production and consumption, we anticipate a positive impact on food security and nutrition across the nation.”
“The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has been supportive of our endeavours. Rabbit farming is now integral to Government’s livestock development strategy,” he said.
Mr Nyamakanga said they also partnered with private companies to enhance value addition and establish rabbit grills.
“While we have received inquiries to export meat to various countries, including China, our priority remains satisfying the local demand before venturing into exports. We aim to ensure sustainable production and quality standards before expanding internationally.
“The Chinese Embassy supported us by funding national training programmes for rabbit farmers and providing technical expertise.
“These initiatives are aimed at enhancing the skills and capacity of farmers across the country in the various aspects of rabbit production. The future of rabbit production holds immense opportunities for growth and expansion. We are committed to driving this process forward by fostering innovation, collaboration and sustainable practices within the value chain,” said Mr Nyamakanga.
A technical expert, Mr Garisanai Mudzingwa said farmers must rear commercially viable breeds such as New Zealands, Californian, Chinchilla and Flemish Giants which have better meat-weight ratio.
“Farmers must choose good breeds that weigh at least 3.5kg, which give birth to off-springs which can reach slaughter weight of 2kg live weights at 12 weeks.
Rabbits do not eat much as one can eat just 150g of pellets per day and have good food conversion ratio. Good breeds give birth to an average of eight to 10 kits per single birth.
“Successful rabbit farming is hinged on choosing proper breeds. Market is available in Zimbabwe, but unfortunately farmers are struggling to meet the demand. The training has opened their eyes and they are raring to go and do proper rearing,” said Mr Mudzingwa.
