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Nokusa Masuku Business Reporter
TWENTY farmers in Gwatemba, Insiza district have received 11 heifers and a bull each while 20 others received 15 sheep each from a development partner in a project set to boost livestock production in the community. Heifer International, an America-funded non-governmental organisation, is bankrolling the project with 220 head of cattle and 300 sheep given to farmers to kick-start production.

Insiza assistant district administrator Mandlamakhulu Moyo commended Heifer International for assisting farmers. He said this at a workshop on Wednesday where farmers received the support. He said the move would enhance increased production and success of Zim Asset.

“Heifer project has contributed towards Zim Asset cluster on nutrition and value addition in Insiza district. The heifers are breeding good indigenous livestock, which is not easily affected by lack of water and stockfeed.

“I would like to thank members of Heifer International for keeping well the livestock and promoting us in the community,” Moyo said.
Heifer International project officer Drosila Simela said under the project farmers will be given start-up support in poultry, small stock, donkeys, cattle, beekeeping and plantation agriculture.

“Heifer International is centred in rural communities and small-scale farmers and we give livestock from small chicken to large stock such as cattle,” he said.

Insiza rural district council chairman Job Moyo said beneficiaries were equipped with skills of producing during the workshop. He said after a thorough training they were given cattle or sheep on a revolving support agreement for other farmers in the area.

“When the Heifer International was introduced in Insiza, those who joined the project had to attend a workshop where they were trained on the requirements needed for one to be given cattle or other livestock,” he said.

“If the animals produce offspring in a period of one year the farmer is required to pass on the offspring to other beneficiaries.”