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Smallholder pig farmers in Mutasa, Zimbabwe, are expanding livestock production to create employment, increase household incomes and strengthen local pork supplies. This potential was highlighted during a visit to Finjay Farm in October 19, where the enterprise’s progress demonstrated the growing contribution of rural farmers to the country’s livestock sector.
The farm has 145 breeding sows, each producing an average of 10 piglets per litter, and employs 14 local workers. It supplies pork to individual customers and commercial markets, while support from the Pig Industry Board is helping to promote the development of the pig industry. Maintaining reliable supplies of feed and water remains essential to sustaining production and improving the long-term viability of such enterprises.
Despite growing domestic demand for pork, the farm faces challenges, including limited land for growing feed crops, high reliance on purchased inputs and unreliable electricity. Although solar power is being introduced to support operations, a stable electricity supply remains necessary for milling and other machinery. The farm has also appealed for additional land to increase on-farm feed production and reduce operating costs.
Zimbabwe’s domestic market currently absorbs local pork production, but increased output could create opportunities to supply neighbouring Mozambique. Addressing constraints related to land, affordable feed, electricity and market access will be crucial to expanding smallholder pig farming, creating more jobs and strengthening agricultural value chains while opening up potential regional export opportunities.
October 22, 2026/Mutasa-Zimbabwe/
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