After five years of dedicated research, innovation, and collaboration, the Livestock Production Systems in Zimbabwe (LIPS-ZIM) project has left an indelible mark on the country’s livestock farming sector.
Funded by the European Union and implemented through partnerships with global and local institutions, the initiative has revolutionized farming practices, improved livelihoods, and brought innovative solutions to long-standing challenges in livestock production.
Launched to address issues such as climate change, feed scarcity, livestock diseases, and market access, LIPS-ZIM focused on empowering smallholder farmers. Through the project, more than 9,000 farmers in semi-arid regions began producing drought-tolerant forage varieties, generating over 40 tons of hay and silage. These efforts have ensured livestock survival during harsh dry seasons and created opportunities for farmers to sell surplus feed, boosting their incomes.
One of the project’s standout successes was its introduction of innovative cattle and goat footbath technology in Chiredzi District. Initially met with skepticism, the technology has significantly reduced livestock deaths caused by tick-borne diseases. Farmers, who once faced daily losses of cattle, have witnessed their herds thrive, underscoring the transformative power of simple yet effective solutions.
In addition to disease prevention, the project strengthened Zimbabwe’s veterinary services by refurbishing laboratories in Gwanda and Masvingo. These facilities now provide advanced diagnostic tools, enabling quicker responses to outbreaks and ensuring healthier herds. Farmers also gained access to training on artificial insemination and improved herd management techniques, resulting in larger and healthier livestock populations.
Research underpinned much of the project’s success. Collaborations with institutions like ILRI, CIRAD, CIMMYT, and the University of Zimbabwe led to the development of climate-resilient feed formulas using local crops such as velvet bean, lablab, and sorghum. These cost-effective solutions have been embraced by farmers, enhancing livestock nutrition and productivity.
The project’s impact extends beyond immediate farming outcomes. Supported MSc and PhD students conducted studies that are expected to shape future policies in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector. Farmers equipped with knowledge and skills from the project now have tools to adapt to climate challenges and improve their practices sustainably.
Speaking at the closure event held at Cresta Lodge in Harare, Franck Porte, Head of Cooperation of the European Union to Zimbabwe, praised the collaborative spirit behind the project. “The success of LIPS-ZIM shows what is possible when partnerships between governments, research institutions, and farmers come together,” he remarked.
The LIPS-ZIM project also complemented the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP), which ended in 2024. Both initiatives aimed to strengthen livestock value chains and improve livelihoods, tackling shared challenges and creating a foundation for future growth.
As the project concludes, its legacy continues to inspire. Farmers, government officials, and development partners have pledged to scale its innovations across Zimbabwe, ensuring that the progress made reaches even more communities.
With the European Union’s continued support under the Team Europe Initiative, Zimbabwe’s livestock sector is poised for a brighter, more sustainable future. The achievements of LIPS-ZIM are not just a testament to what has been done but a blueprint for what is possible.
