People in the Video:

  • Decent Anthony Dzenga (Host & Agribusiness Consultant)

  • Mrs. Beauty Jiji (Chief Executive Officer, Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association – ZFRPA)

  • A Commercial Poultry Farmer (Featured in the second segment, sharing market supply figures)

Key Takeaways

 

  • The “Scam” Myth vs. Reality: The video addresses and debunks the skepticism surrounding the profitability of the free-range poultry (roadrunner) business in Zimbabwe.

  • The Role of Association: Highlighting how the Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association (ZFRPA) formalizes the sector, providing training and market linkages.

  • Presidential Poultry Scheme: Discussing the impact of government initiatives on rural livelihoods and food security.

  • Commercialization: Shifting from subsistence farming to a commercially oriented business model.

  • Market Consistency: The critical need for farmers to aggregate their produce to meet the high demand for consistent quality and quantity.

  • Cost Management: Innovations in feed production to maximize profit margins.

Understanding the Market: Beyond the Hype

 

The video kicks off with a direct investigation into a burning question for many aspiring Zimbabwean farmers: Is the roadrunner business a scam? Host Decent Anthony Dzenga sits down with Mrs. Beauty Jiji, the CEO of the Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association (ZFRPA), to dissect the reality of the market.

The Power of Organization

A central theme of the discussion is the necessity of organization. Mrs. Jiji explains that the industry has evolved significantly since the association’s formalization in 2014-2015. She notes that the ZFRPA works to “formalize” the sector, transforming it from a backyard hobby into a recognized industry with a “code of practice”. This move is crucial for accessing export markets and ensuring that Zimbabwean produce meets international standards.

Impact of the Presidential Poultry Scheme

The conversation highlights the Presidential Poultry Scheme as a “game changer,” particularly for rural communities. Mrs. Jiji points out that the program is not just about food security but about “wealth creation”. By distributing chicks to rural households, the scheme aims to provide:

  • Local protein sources to improve nutrition.

  • Income generation opportunities that transform livelihoods.

  • A shift from “subsistent to being commercially oriented” farming.

The Business of Farming: Numbers and Strategy

 

Consistency is King

One of the biggest challenges identified is consistency. Mrs. Jiji emphasizes that the market requires a reliable supply chain. She notes that individual farmers often fail to meet large orders, but through “aggregation” by the association, they can satisfy significant demand. The association plays a pivotal role here, acting as a bridge to “market linkages” that individual farmers could not access alone.

Managing Costs and Profits

The discussion touches on the economics of the business, specifically the high cost of feed, which can account for “70 to 80%” of production costs. The video encourages innovation, such as on-farm feed formulation, to reduce these expenses. In the second segment, a farmer shares a practical example of the market’s potential, stating that they contributed “more than 5000 chicks to the presidential scheme” and continue to sell thousands to individual farmers. This real-world example serves as proof that the market exists for those who are professional and consistent.

Conclusion: Advice for Aspiring Farmers

 

The video concludes with a strong message: Treat farming as a business, not a hobby.

The participants advise that success does not happen overnight. As Mrs. Jiji notes, “we are not patient in terms of building,” which is why some perceive it as a scam when they don’t see immediate riches.

The Final Advice:

  1. Get Trained: Knowledge is the foundation of success. The association prioritizes “capacity building” and farmer training as an effective extension method.

  2. Join the Association: Don’t work in isolation. Becoming a member of the ZFRPA provides access to ID cards for easy movement of goods, training resources, and crucial market connections.

  3. Be Consistent: The market rewards those who can supply quality products regularly.

  4. Start Right: Use the correct breeds and follow established standards to ensure your product is marketable.

By following this advice and leveraging the support of the ZFRPA, farmers can turn the “roadrunner” venture into a legitimate and profitable enterprise, debunking the myth that it is a scam.

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