Posts by Staff Writer
Flying high with this Zimbabwean farmer
Mufaro Dzvova, one of Zimbabwe’s few female commercial pilots, has diversified into livestock production in recent years. She shares her unique perspective on blending her formal career with her farming passion while forging a path as part of a growing number of female farmers in the country. Flybae Ranch Mufaro founded FlyBae Ranch in 2018…
Read MoreIndigenous Nkone cattle win at the Zimbabwe Trade Fair
The Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) which ran last week (from Monday 21 to Saturday 26 April) is held annually in Bulawayo in Matabeleland, Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. Bulawayo’s strategic location at the crossroads of Southern Africa’s regional trade and transportation routes makes it an ideal host city for the fair. The ZITF is designed to promote trade, investment,…
Read MoreTobacco seed alert: Protecting Zimbabwe’s golden leaf industry
Zimbabwe’s tobacco industry faces a growing threat from illegal seed varieties entering the market, according to a recent report from Kutsaga Research Station. Mr. Francis Mukoyi, Head of Genetics, Biotechnology & Bioinnovations at Kutsaga, warns that unauthorised tobacco varieties are compromising both farmer profitability and the country’s reputation as a premium tobacco producer. Troubling trend Kutsaga…
Read MoreCattle inspections at Pungeni and Have Hook Nkone Studs
Leading up to the ADMA Agrishow’s Indigenous Livestock exhibition and sale (June 5-7), participating cattle producers are working on finalising their selection of animals for submission. As the show is being held under the administration of the Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) where animals intended for the event must be registered with the ZHB, an integral…
Read MoreFinding solutions to human-wildlife conflict in Namibia’s farming communities
In the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), an innovative approach to human-wildlife coexistence is transforming the lives of farmers and wildlife alike. The work done by the Kwando Carnivore Project (KCP) in Namibia’s Zambezi Region demonstrates how thoughtful conservation strategies can protect both livelihoods and lions. A chance meeting with Tanaka Muradzikwa, a Zimbabwean working with…
Read MoreShowcasing agricultural innovation at the ART Summer Field Day
The Agricultural Research Trust (ART) Summer Field Day is an important event for Zimbabwe’s farming community, offering a unique opportunity for farmers, researchers, and industry professionals to witness summer crop trials (including maize, sorghum, soya, and sunflowers) and the latest agricultural innovations firsthand. This annual event transforms ART’s research farm into a showcase of the…
Read MoreCarmen Stubbs (1935-2025)
“These Mashona animals are my passion and Zimbabwe’s heritage.” With the news of the passing of Carmen Stubbs on Monday, 17 March 2025, came an outpouring of tributes from across Zimbabwe’s cattle producing community. For over six decades, Carmen dedicated her life to the conservation and advancement of our very own indigenous Sanga Mashona cattle breed, leaving…
Read MoreExpanding ADMA Agrishow horizons with increased indigenous livestock sale facilities
The annual ADMA Agrishow’s landscape is set to transform with an expansion of livestock facilities that promises to elevate Zimbabwe’s indigenous breed showcasing and sales capabilities. “We are committed to creating a world-class platform for our indigenous livestock breeds,” says Marco Garizio, Agricultural Dealers and Manufacturers Association (ADMA) Chairman, highlighting the vision behind this ambitious…
Read MoreZimbabwe’s 2025 tobacco marketing season opens
On March 5, 2025, the annual tobacco sales and marketing season officially began at the Tobacco Sales Floor in Willowvale, Harare. The ceremony featured the auction of the first bale, which fetched USD 4.65 for lemon leaf tobacco, continuing the time-honored tradition presided over by the guest of honour, Hon. Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Minister…
Read MoreFall armyworm continues to ravage crops in Zimbabwe
Fall armyworm (FAW) is an insect pest (Spodoptera frugiperda) that is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It was first detected in Africa in 2016 (reported in Zimbabwe in September of that year) and has since spread to many African countries. It is thought to have reached Africa through imported produce or…
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