Midlands Province Strengthens Role as Livestock Hub

Midlands Province has strengthened its position as a key livestock hub, with cattle numbers exceeding 980,000 and growing contributions from dairy, goats, poultry and climate-smart agriculture (image source)

MIDLANDS — The province has consolidated its position as one of Zimbabwe’s leading livestock hubs, with its cattle population now exceeding 980,000, according to the latest Crops, Livestock and Fisheries Assessment Report (CLAFA 2) for the 2024/25 summer season.

The report shows that Midlands contributes 17.1% of the national herd, estimated at 5,741,397 cattle, placing the province second only to Masvingo, which tops the list with just over one million cattle. Provincial Director for Economic Affairs and Investment in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Mr Kosheni Mtisi, said the figures highlight Midlands’ strategic importance in national food security, rural development and the agro-industrial economy.

(image source)

“The Midlands cattle population stands at 983,871, representing 17.1% of the national herd, placing the province second after Masvingo with 1,002,632 cattle,” he said.

Beef cattle production remains the backbone of the rural economy, sustaining thousands of households through income generation, provision of draught power and cultural value. However, herd expansion faces challenges, including tick-borne diseases, poor genetic quality and degradation of grazing lands.

Despite these setbacks, the dairy sector has recorded notable progress. Large-scale commercial dairy production is concentrated in Gweru, Kwekwe and Shurugwi, while smallholder initiatives are expanding in Gokwe South. The establishment of Mafuro Dairy and Kaguvi Smallholder Dairy has boosted milk output to about 24 million litres annually, accounting for 21% of national production.

Goat production is also gaining momentum in drought-prone areas, with farmers adopting high-value breeds such as the Boer Goat and Kalahari Red. The poultry sector has experienced renewed growth, driven by the Presidential Poultry Programme, which has revitalised indigenous chicken farming after years of disease outbreaks.

Midlands largely falls within Natural Regions III, IV and V, where erratic rainfall makes irrigation and livestock-based livelihoods critical. Government support under the Zimbabwe Agriculture Growth Programme has bolstered resilience, with initiatives such as the Presidential Pasture Production Scheme, goat and poultry pass-on programmes, and mechanisation support through the Belarus tractor facility.

Wheat production has also risen, with hectarage surpassing targets in 2024 and 2025. Traditional grains such as finger millet have doubled productivity under climate-smart strategies. Mr Mtisi said these interventions demonstrate the Second Republic’s commitment to strengthening both crop and livestock sectors, improving rural incomes and positioning Midlands as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural economy.