As Zimbabwe joined the world in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we are reminded of the vital role sustainable agriculture plays. By promoting agricultural practices that support economic growth (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth) while ensuring food security and improved nutrition (SDG 2: Zero Hunger), resilient systems are pushing this initiative.
In the heart of Chikomba district lies a powerful story of resilience and innovation, Esther’s Milk & Honey Farm. This remarkable enterprise, founded by Esther Marwa, embodies Zimbabwe’s pursuit of self-sufficiency and environmental sustainability. From its beginnings as a small family homestead in Nharira, Esther has transformed her dairy and honey farm into a regional powerhouse that supplies fresh milk and honey across the region.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leadership
Esther Marwa’s journey began in 2019 with just five in-calf heifers producing 95 litres per day and a vision. She realized the potential of Zimbabwe’s dairy sector, where demand for milk was largely met by imports. Driven by a desire to meet local needs, she took a leap into dairy farming, understanding that her success would not only benefit her family but also contribute to the nation’s food security.
Now, with a growing herd of dairy cows, state-of-the-art equipment, and a thriving dairy operation, Esther has become a leading figure in Zimbabwe’s dairy industry. Her leadership extends beyond the farm as chairperson of the Nharira Dairy Cooperative, helping farmers in the district create sustainable livelihoods.
“What motivated me to venture into dairy was the realisation that there was a huge market in the dairy industry as the bulk of milk products are imported, predominantly from South Africa. I saw this as an opportunity to tap into the market and I don’t regret It.”, said Marwa
Esther’s growth journey was fuelled by the Transforming Zimbabwe’s Dairy Value Chain for the Future (TranZDVC) project, an initiative under the European Union’s Matching Grant Program that has revolutionized Zimbabwe’s dairy sector. Through the Matching Grants Facility, the European Union has provided smallholder farmers with essential resources, training, and innovative financial support, bridging gaps that have long hindered the industry.
Esther was one of the recipients of a 70:30 matching grant, which enabled her to install a solar-powered water pump and expand her herd with high-yielding dairy heifers. These resources allowed her to overcome the perennial water scarcity of Chikomba district and plant fodder crops to support her livestock, reducing her dependence on costly commercial feed.
“When I started in January 2019, I faced a number of challenges that hampered my production. Topping the list was a lack of a reliable water source as we were using a borehole with a manual bush pump. Dairy farming requires a lot of water and Chikomba district is a relatively dry area.”
Alongside financial support, the program provided essential training and access to subsidized, preselected semen for artificial insemination. This strategy allowed her to increase her herd organically, with greater control over livestock quality.
The project also introduced climate-smart practices that support long-term productivity. For example, Esther uses renewable energy, mechanized equipment, and sustainable irrigation to maximize efficiency and minimize her farm’s environmental impact. Her dedication to adopting these practices has set an example for fellow farmers in Mashonaland East province, demonstrating the potential of sustainable farming to uplift communities.
Resilience and Resourcefulness: Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Every day, Esther meets the challenges of farming with resilience and resourcefulness. From her early days of hauling water manually to today’s efficient solar-powered system, she has consistently applied innovative solutions to overcome obstacles. By learning modern dairy management through training programs, she has gained invaluable skills that enabled her to elevate her farm from a subsistence operation to a thriving business. Alongside dairy farming, she has expanded into honey production, a diversification that has strengthened her farm’s financial stability.
“The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. It all started with attending those amazing workshops and training sessions, you know, the ones where you learn about business ideas, the whole agriculture value chain, and how to run a farm in a way that’s good for the environment. They even taught us how to pitch our ideas and write business plans!”
Esther’s commitment to quality led her to invest in milking machines, storage facilities, and even packaging machinery for her dairy and honey products. Her efforts have garnered her recognition across Zimbabwe, including the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers’ Small Scale Farmer of the Year award. However, for Esther, the greatest reward is not the accolades but the opportunity to contribute to her community’s well-being and economy. She’s now also processing some of the milk, making yoghurt, butter, Hodzeko and cheese.
Giving Back: Empowering the Community
Esther’s Milk & Honey Farm isn’t just about production; it’s about community. With an understanding of the importance of nutrition for young children, Esther donates fresh milk to a local school, reviving Zimbabwe’s once-thriving school milk program. For Esther, this gesture is personal.
“As a child, I benefited from such programs, and I want today’s children to have access to the same healthy start,” she explains.
She also provides sanitary pads to young girls, addressing the pressing issue of period poverty in rural areas. Her support enables these girls to remain in school and pursue their dreams.
Looking ahead, Esther dreams of making an even greater impact. She envisions creating a dairy breeding program to supply local farmers with improved cattle breeds. By sharing her expertise and resources, she aims to foster a community where farmers support each other, amplifying the region’s productivity and resilience. Her goals align with Zimbabwe’s broader ambitions for agricultural self-reliance and economic independence.
Lessons from Esther’s Journey
Esther Marwa’s story is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and community-mindedness. As Zimbabwe explores new paths in sustainable agriculture, Esther’s Milk & Honey Farm serves as a model for how smallholder farmers can drive change and contribute to the country’s growth. Through hard work and forward-thinking investments, she has transformed her family legacy into a source of pride and prosperity for her community.
For Zimbabwe’s aspiring farmers, Esther’s journey offers an invaluable lesson, in every challenge lies an opportunity and with dedication and the right support, it’s possible to create meaningful, lasting change.
A Look into Zimbabwe’s Dairy Farming: Rising Impact
Another notable example is Mafuro Farming, a major dairy operation in Zimbabwe, boasting of a herd of about 2,230 dairy cows, a mix of Jersey and Holstein crossbreeds. This large-scale farm employs more than 200 workers and has seen significant investment over the last two years, with Innscor Africa Limited investing approximately US$5.24 million. Innscor, one of Zimbabwe’s largest stock exchange-listed companies, owns Mafuro and supplies its milk to Prodairy, a Ruwa-based processing plant also owned by Innscor.
The farm’s rapid development reflects renewed interest in Zimbabwe’s dairy sector. Earlier this year, a report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) identified dairy farming as one of several business opportunities in Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape. Back in 1991, the country’s dairy industry reached a peak of 112,000 dairy cows and produced 261 million litres of milk annually, more than double the national demand of 120 million litres. At that time, Zimbabwe exported milk to regional countries like Zambia, Botswana, and Malawi. However, over the years, the national herd declined, and the country shifted to a net importer of milk and milk powder.
Recent efforts have spurred a revival, with production reaching 91.6 million litres in 2022, up from just 39 million litres in 2009. Zimbabwe now aims to increase output to 150 million litres by 2025, requiring an investment in 22,000 heifers and infrastructure improvements. Although the country isn’t yet positioned to re-enter the global market, local and regional demand remains robust. Dairy is one of Africa’s fastest-growing sectors, with an expected growth rate of 10.8% annually from 2023 to 2028. To fully capitalize on this growth, however, Zimbabwe’s dairy industry will need further investment in transport and storage to minimize post-production losses.