Business Reporter
BULAWAYO – Poultry farmers in Bulawayo are issuing a stark warning, stating that a crippling combination of skyrocketing feed prices, devastating disease outbreaks, and intense competition from cheap imports is pushing them to the verge of collapse.
Many producers fear they will be forced to drastically cut production or abandon the industry entirely if no urgent intervention is made, threatening local food security and livelihoods.
The soaring cost of feed is the most immediate burden. A 50kg bag of mash now costs between $26 and $32, a price driven up by shortages of maize and soy, reliance on imports, and foreign currency constraints. Industry data shows feed costs have risen by 62% since 2019.
“Sometimes we even make a loss. It feels like we are working for nothing,” said Thandi Ndlovu, a local farmer.
“Some farmers have been forced to cut down on production because they can no longer afford to buy enough feed. Even if you raise the price of your chickens, customers complain and refuse to buy. It leaves us trapped with no solution.”
The financial strain is compounded by the constant threat of disease. Farmer Buhlebenkosi Moyo described the heartbreaking reality:
“Some diseases wipe out entire flocks within days, leaving farmers with huge losses. Buying medicines is expensive, and not all of us can afford it. Vaccines are important, but they are costly. It is heartbreaking to see your hard work vanish overnight.”
Further squeezing local producers is a flooded market dominated by cheap imports and informal sellers. Farmer Dumisani Sibanda explained the impossible choice:
“We end up lowering prices just to sell, and that means we don’t recover what we spent. Cheap imports and backyard sellers are making it worse. Sometimes you see people selling chickens on the streets at very low prices. Customers rush there, and we remain stuck with our stock.”
While the government has a Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan in place, farmers on the ground say more direct support is needed to stabilise feed costs and improve access to affordable vaccines.
Poultry specialist Dr. Enoch Machingauta of Econutrivet advised farmers to mitigate losses through improved management.
“Maintain the brooder temperature at 95°F (35°C) at chick level for the first week and observe chick behaviour,” he said.
“Use multiple shallow waterers, keep the brooder well-lit, and ensure bedding is clean and dry.”
The situation presents a critical challenge for national agricultural policy, balancing market dynamics with the need to protect essential domestic producers.
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