Cattle Fair Unites Communities and Stakeholders Under ‘Herding for Health’ Banner at BH10 Mvuthu-Mpumelelo Village

A powerful step toward transforming Zimbabwe’s rural cattle and beef value chain was made this week, as the community hosted a landmark Cattle Fair Program under the unifying theme “Promoting a Sustainable, Thriving Cattle and Beef Value Chain Through the Herding for Health Approach.”

Held at the heart of BH10 Mvuthu-Mpumelelo Village Ward 3, the event brought together farmers, buyers, technocrats, and key development stakeholders for a dynamic day of livestock trade, community-building, and agricultural empowerment.

The fair’s primary goal was to facilitate direct livestock trade, offering a platform where cattle buyers and farmers could engage in transparent, negotiated sales of high-quality cattle. This model not only promotes fair pricing but also injects value directly into rural economies, helping families monetize their hard work while fostering ethical and sustainable trade practices.

Buyers and sellers alike hailed the fair as a much-needed economic and social catalyst. Farmers from Wards 2 through 7 proudly displayed their livestock, many of which were bred under improved animal health and pasture management standards.

The event was more than a marketplace — it was a hub of learning and collaboration. Experts from organizations including Amalima Loko, VFWT, Care, Igugu Trust, Dibagombe, Forestry Commission, Agritex, DVFS, and MoHCC facilitated open conversations on best practices in livestock management, climate resilience, and animal health.

Through the Herding for Health approach, farmers were exposed to innovative, community-led strategies that support sustainable rangeland use, biodiversity conservation, and improved animal productivity. The presence of technocrats allowed for meaningful engagement on how traditional knowledge and modern science can work hand-in-hand to boost rural agriculture.

The fair was attended by an impressive cross-section of leadership and stakeholders, including the District Development Coordinator (DDC), HRDC, Chief Mvuthu, Councillor, Headman, Village Heads, Agritex officers, Forestry officials, CCT, and Breeze FM, among others.

Their involvement highlighted a multi-sectoral commitment to livestock development, encouraging deeper collaboration across government, civil society, and the private sector. Stakeholders used the opportunity to strengthen networks, exchange contacts, and hold candid discussions on challenges facing sustainable livestock production, such as drought, veterinary service access, and market linkages.

As the event drew to a close, Joshua Ngwenya on behalf of Chief Mvuthu gave compelling closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of community-driven agricultural development and calling for continued cooperation between traditional leadership, government departments, NGOs, and the farming community. He underscored that livestock are not only economic assets, but are interwoven with cultural identity, food security, and generational legacy.

This Cattle Fair served as a blueprint for how rural communities can reclaim agency in agricultural trade, while building resilience through shared knowledge, inclusive dialogue, and sustainable practices. The success of the event signals growing momentum in transforming the livestock sector into a pillar of rural prosperity.

By Witness A Phiri