Field day report: Chidobe zone ward 2 BH 28

by Tatenda Pomerayi
(Hlanganani Village BH 28, Victoria Falls )

Theme:Promoting Livestock Dairy Production, Value Addition and Rural Development

Host and Report Compiled by:
Tatenda Pomerayi – Agriculture Business Advisory Officer

Stakeholders Present:
Igugu Trust, Wildlife Trust, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFRD), Ministry of Education, Victoria Falls Town Council, community members and local farmers.

Introduction
A Livestock Dairy Production Field Day was held at Hlanganani Village under Block BH28. The event was hosted by the Hlanganani Livestock Group, a community-based group that is successfully producing fresh milk using local cattle breeds. The field day aimed to showcase the group's dairy production model, share knowledge with other farmers, and promote sustainable livestock production and value addition within the community.

Background of the Project
The Hlanganani Livestock Group has demonstrated that local cattle breeds can be productively used for dairy purposes when proper management practices are applied. Through cooperation and collective effort, the group produces significant quantities of fresh milk daily. Beyond producing fresh milk, the group has taken a step further by engaging in milk value addition and beneficiation.

Their activities are in line with the Vision 2030 Accelerator Model (V30) which focuses on improving production systems, promoting value addition, and strengthening rural industrialization. The project also aligns with the Rural Development 8.0 Strategy, which encourages communities to utilize local resources to generate sustainable livelihoods.

The dairy initiative is addressing several socio-economic challenges within the community, including:
- Improving household nutrition through access to fresh milk and dairy products.
- Income generation for participating households.
- Employment creation within the community.
- Capacity building for youths, helping to reduce drug and substance abuse by engaging them in productive agricultural activities.

The group has demonstrated that they are not merely echoing His Excellency the President’s mantra of “leaving no one and no place behind,” but are actively putting it into practice through inclusive community development.

Key Areas Presented During the Field Day
Participants were taken through various practical learning stations which included:

1. Animal Nutrition
Discussions focused on the importance of supplementary feeding for dairy cattle. Participants also toured fields where animal feed crops are being grown, including **sunhemp, velvet bean, lablab, and forage sorghum, which are used to improve livestock nutrition.

2. Animal Health Management
Stakeholders and farmers were guided on proper animal health management practices, including disease prevention, routine health monitoring, and veterinary care.

3. Milking Process
Demonstrations were conducted on proper milking techniques, hygiene standards, and milk handling procedures to ensure quality and safety.

4. Milk Value Addition and Beneficiation
The group showcased how they process and add value to raw milk, highlighting opportunities for rural-based agro-processing enterprises.

5. Milk Monthly Gross Margin Analysis
Participants were also exposed to basic financial analysis showing the profitability of dairy production, including cost structures and potential returns from milk production and value-added products.

Community Response
Community members and stakeholders expressed great appreciation for the work being done by the Hlanganani Livestock Group. Many participants were inspired by the success of the initiative and showed strong interest in establishing their own agricultural enterprises, particularly in livestock and dairy production.

The field day served as an important knowledge-sharing platform, encouraging collaboration between farmers, development partners, and government institutions.

Conclusion
The Hlanganani Livestock Dairy Project is a clear example of how organized community groups can drive rural development through agriculture. By combining livestock production, value addition, and youth empowerment, the group is contributing meaningfully to local economic development and food security.

Their work reflects the national development philosophy captured in the community motto:

“If they can’t mine it, we will farm it.”