The livestock sector in Zimbabwe contributes significantly to the growth and development of the national economy, providing livelihoods for small to large scale farmers and many others involved along the value chains. However, the sector faces several challenges, limiting its contribution to the national economy and adversely affecting the livelihoods and food security of farmers. These include; funding unavailability, cyclical drought, the weakness of the regulatory framework, inadequate farming practices and skills of some farmers and poor coordination amongst all stakeholders and insufficient extension services.

The Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP) is a response to tackle these challenges through financial support from the European Union (EU) amounting to €40 million.

The ZAGP has as its overarching objective to contribute to the development of a diversified and efficient agriculture sector that promotes inclusive green economic growth.

Covering Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces, the programme will address the weaknesses and gaps in livestock value chains that have prevented the sector from increasing productivity, production, and incomes, to their potential. Focus will be on building the capacity of farmers, service institutions, and private sector through increased investment, institutional reforms and policy alignment.