As the world races to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Zimbabwe is emerging as a regional leader—proving that with the right tools, partnerships, and knowledge, the tide can be turned. Through an innovative collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and support from the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) and the Fleming Fund, the country is tackling the overuse of antimicrobials in poultry farming head-on.
The Global Threat of AMR—and Zimbabwe’s Response
Antimicrobial resistance, a silent yet growing global health crisis, occurs when bacteria become immune to antibiotics—often as a result of misuse in both human and animal health systems. In livestock farming, particularly poultry, routine antibiotic use to prevent or treat disease without veterinary guidance has been a major contributor to this resistance. The consequences are far-reaching: compromised food safety, declining animal productivity, and a direct threat to human health.
Recognizing these risks, Zimbabwe launched a targeted program to promote biosecure and sustainable poultry production, reducing reliance on antibiotics while maintaining flock health and productivity.
Training Farmers, Transforming Practices
The initiative was rolled out across eight districts—Bubi, Chegutu, Masvingo, Marondera, Murewa, Mutare, Mutasa, and Zvimba—using the Farmer Field School (FFS) model. This hands-on, community-based approach empowers farmers to learn by doing, sharing knowledge and improving practices together in real time.
Through FFS sessions, poultry farmers were trained in:
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Effective disease prevention
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Basic veterinary care and early disease detection
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Enhanced hygiene and housing practices
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Vaccination protocols
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Biosecurity measures to limit disease spread
“This isn’t just awareness-raising. It’s about implementing practical, evidence-based solutions that farmers can apply on the ground,” said Berhanu Bedane, FAO Livestock Development Officer.
He emphasized the success of the initiative as a testament to the One Health approach—a global framework that integrates human, animal, and environmental health efforts to solve complex, interconnected challenges like AMR.
Measuring What Matters
A Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) baseline survey was conducted at the start of the project to tailor training content to the specific needs and realities of farmers. This ensured the interventions were context-specific and impactful, with immediate relevance to everyday poultry farming challenges.
The results were impressive. Farmers began using fewer antibiotics while reporting improved poultry health and productivity. Common diseases were reduced through preventative health measures—proving that better farm management could reduce the need for antibiotics without sacrificing output.
A National and Global Model
The project’s impact reaches beyond poultry. According to Bedane, similar strategies are now being extended to Zimbabwe’s dairy sector, demonstrating the scalability and cross-sectoral value of the approach.
Dr. Pious Makaya, Chief Director of Zimbabwe’s Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), praised the project for aligning with the country’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and long-term Vision 2030 goals. He reiterated that “healthy animals mean safer food and healthier people”—and that AMR can only be tackled through multi-sector collaboration.
What’s Next?
Building on the project’s momentum, the FAO and Zimbabwean government are already discussing a second phase under the MPTF framework. These ongoing efforts also align with global ambitions set by the RENOFARM initiative, which aims to reduce antimicrobial use through better animal health practices and farm management.
Leading by Example
By arming farmers with the skills, tools, and knowledge to reduce dependency on antibiotics, Zimbabwe is not only transforming its poultry sector—it’s offering a roadmap for sustainable agriculture and public health across the region.
This progress shows that even in resource-constrained settings, well-coordinated, farmer-focused interventions can drive meaningful change—benefiting animal welfare, food systems, and global health for generations to come.
