Zimbabwe has significantly reduced antimicrobial use in poultry farming through a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)-backed initiative, marking a major step in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the country’s livestock sector.
The project, supported by the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) and the Fleming Fund global initiative, has successfully curbed the overuse of antimicrobials in the broiler value chain by equipping farmers with sustainable and bio-secure poultry production practices.
Implemented across eight districts – Bubi, Chegutu, Masvingo, Marondera, Murewa, Mutare, Mutasa and Zvimba – the initiative employed the Farmer Field School approach, a hands-on training model that teaches farmers disease prevention, improved husbandry and biosecurity measures to reduce reliance on antimicrobials.
FAO Livestock Development Officer Berhanu Bedane noted the project’s impact, stating that it demonstrated the effectiveness of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal and environmental health to tackle AMR.
“The farmer field schools have been empowering poultry farmers through hands-on training in sustainable and bio-secure poultry production,” Bedane said.
He said the approach “enhances poultry productivity while simultaneously reducing the use of antimicrobials through the reduction of infections, making our health more secure and sustainable.”
Chief Director of Zimbabwe’s Department of Veterinary Services Pious Makaya said the initiative aligns with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy I and Vision 2030, and reinforced national priorities such as food security, public health and environmental sustainability.
He described AMR as a “wicked problem” requiring multi-sectoral solutions, stressing the need for continuous review and adaptation of strategies to address evolving challenges.
“We cannot have one single solution. It is not a linear problem,” he said.
FAO and the Zimbabwean government reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining progress in AMR reduction, with Zimbabwe being considered for Phase Two of the MPTF project.
JN/APA