Zimpapers Logo

Nokuthaba Brita Ncube, [email protected]

NATIONAL Foods Limited’s Egg Layer Production Programme continues to transform lives in Matabeleland South province, particularly, in the Ndiweni community of Bulilima District.

The initiative, which started a year ago when National Foods Limited, through its stock feed division, poured an investment of over US$30 000 in a new egg production programme, has so far benefitted nearly 1 500 youths in Matabeleland North and South provinces.

The programme has empowered youths to become self-reliant while addressing food security and promoting rural industrialisation.

As the sole egg producer in the district, the project has exceeded expectations, with participants struggling to meet the high market demand. 

The egg production programme is part of the company’s broader goals to invest in youths, support rural industrialisation and promote long-term health and food security.

The first phase of the bi-annual programme has seen National Foods providing resources, including 1 000 laying hens for youth in the Ndiweni Community, in Matabeleland South.

During a tour of the Galaupole Training Centre on Wednesday where the project is based, National Foods’ southern region head of stock feed, Mr Raymond Mhona, said the company’s committed to nourishing the nation. 

He said the programme aligns with their vision to develop, grow and sustain initiatives that empower young people. It is implemented in partnership with the Community Foundation for the Western Region of Zimbabwe (CFWRZ) through its Alad Programme. Programme manager Ms Sithabile Gandi-Ndlovu, praised National Foods for their unwavering support.

“The partnership with National Foods’ stock feed division has profoundly impacted young people, especially in the Ndiweni community. 

“They have provided technical skills, leadership training and financial management, enabling participants to run viable small-scale egg production projects,” she said.

Ms Ndlovu also explained how the centre operates. The centre currently allows young people to come and get eggs on credit every week.

“Everyone has a day at which they come in and when they come in, they clean and thereafter they get two trays of eggs. If you sell your eggs during the week you can always come and get more eggs,” she said.

“Soon, we are going to be giving a box of eggs to each just so that they can upscale their production,” she added.

Since its inception, National Foods’ “A Life A Day” initiative has supported over 1 500 youths across Matabeleland North and South and has instilled confidence, fostered entrepreneurship and promoted rural industrialisation.

“National Foods has helped us raise awareness about youth empowerment and community engagement,” said Ms Ndlovu.

National Foods’ public relations manager, Ms Marjorie Mutemererwa, expressed pride in the initiative’s impact on youths.

“We are humbled by the efforts to engage young people, the productive generation, who are not only producing and selling but also purchasing from National Foods,” she said. 

National Foods’ stock feed technical advisor, Mr Cleopas Mlambo, highlighted the remarkable progress made by the Ndiweni community.