Zimbabwe’s first female crocodile farmer, Vimbai Dzingirai and her business partner, Jessica Fox, have embarked on a groundbreaking journey under the hashtag #Crocheal.
In a LinkedIn post last week, Dzingirai said that their mission is to unlock the medicinal benefits of crocodiles, shifting focus from the dangers of bites to the diseases humans can contract from these encounters.
“The past month, Yours Truly and My teacher and partner Jessica Fox have been cooking something under her brand hashtag #Crocheal that she has been an expert on for years.
“Our mission is to unlock all medicinal benefits linked to the Crocodile as much focus has only been on bite wounds but not much awareness has been given on the diseases humans are prone to – emanating from the bites or saliva.”
Tragically, Zimbabwe witnessed 50 fatalities and 85 injuries due to crocodile attacks last year alone. Dzingirai’s pioneering initiative, #Crocheal, aims to address this critical issue.
By unlocking the medicinal benefits of crocodiles, her research can potentially reduce the mortality rate and improve treatment outcomes for survivors.
Dzingirai’s groundbreaking work may hold the key to saving countless lives and mitigating the suffering caused by these devastating attacks.
The Hidden Dangers of Crocodile Encounters
Crocodile bites and injuries can transmit various diseases and infections, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. These infections can lead to severe health complications, such as septicemia, meningitis, pneumonia, and even death.
According to Dzingirai some of the bacterial infections that can be transmitted through crocodile bites are Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Clostridium tetani, and Vibrio vulnificus. Viral infections like Herpesviruses and Adenoviruses can also be contracted.
Additionally, fungal infections such as Aspergillosis and Candidiasis, and parasitic infections like Schistosomiasis, Leptospirosis, and Tapeworms, are potential risks, commented Dzingirai.
In another post Dzingirai urged the public to be sensitive because not all Herpesviruses and Candidiasis and Thrush Infections and others were sexually transmitted, some are Crocodile Bites.
“May we not be so biased and judgmental on others we meet having suffered from the above diseases.
It’s a collective effort we can make as a community to understand the severity of diseases caused by crocodile bites and to which extend they go,” said Dzingirai.
Factors Increasing Infection Risk and Prevention
Factors that increase the risk of infection from crocodile bites or injuries include the severity of the wound, delayed medical attention, contamination of wounds, weakened immune systems, and poor wound care. When left untreated or improperly managed, these factors can lead to severe consequences.
To minimize these risks, prompt medical attention is crucial. This includes immediate wound cleaning to remove dead tissue, bacteria, and contaminants, promoting optimal healing. Antibiotic treatment is also essential to prevent infection, alongside ensuring up-to-date tetanus vaccination.
Proper wound care is vital, involving regular dressing and bandaging, wound inspection, and maintenance. Antibiotic therapy tailored to specific infection risks and supportive care, including rest, hydration, and nutrition, also play critical roles. Regular follow-up appointments monitor healing progress, addressing potential issues promptly.
Prompt medical attention significantly reduces infection risk and prevents complications. Delayed treatment, however, can lead to severe outcomes, including increased infection risk, amputation, disfigurement, organ failure, septicemia, and even death. Seeking immediate medical help and adhering to proper wound care protocols ensures optimal recovery.
By understanding these factors and taking proactive measures, individuals can minimize the risks associated with crocodile bites and injuries. Effective management and timely medical intervention significantly improve outcomes, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing medical attention in the event of a crocodile encounter.
Research and Development
Dzingirai and Fox’s research is based on global studies from Australia, Thailand, Zambia, Madagascar, South Africa, and other key players. Currently, they are at the prototype stage, developing supplements (not medicines) under the #Crocheal brand. Although not yet commercially available, their trials have shown promising results.
“What we are producing is based on global well-articulated research from Australia, Thailand, Zambia, Madagascar, South Africa and other key players.
“We are not yet selling anything or advising anyone to seek our products as medicines but basically supplements as we are not registered under the Medicines Control Association of Zimbabwe.
“We are at the prototype stage- moving to Unique Value Proposition before we have brought products to the market. But for those that asked and requested to be part of trials, no one is complaining yet including myself,” posted Dzingirai.
About Vimbai Dzingirai
Dzingirai made history by becoming Zimbabwe’s first female crocodile farmer. She owns two companies: Vimbai’s Crocodylidae Products and Vimbai’s Organic Poultry and Crocodile Meat Supplies. This remarkable achievement is especially significant since women continue to face challenges in the commercial farming industry.
Dzingirai is a seasoned expert in agriculture and conservation, boasting an impressive range of experience. With 7 years in crocodile farming and 9 years in poultry farming, she has established herself as a leader in these fields. Additionally, she has 4 years of experience in cattle ranching and pen fattening, as well as piggery.
Beyond her agricultural expertise, Vimbai’s professional background is rooted in marketing. However, her passion extends far beyond her profession. She is a dedicated advocate for human-wildlife conflict resolution and gender equity, working tirelessly to promote social justice and conservation.
Through her diverse experience and advocacy efforts, Vimbai Dzingirai has become a unique voice in the intersection of agriculture, conservation, and social justice, inspiring positive change and empowering communities.
Dzingirai’s pioneering spirit extends beyond her own businesses. She co-owns a crocodile breeding project in Masvingo with her mentor, demonstrating her commitment to innovation and growth. Her accomplishments have earned her prestigious awards, including Female Farmer of the Year and Runner-Up in Piggery.
In addition to her farming expertise, Dzingirai is dedicated to education and leadership development. She has participated in esteemed programs such as the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Centre and the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for Social Entrepreneurship in the United States of America.
Dzingirai’s experience in the farming industry is diverse, serving as a director in two other companies focused on piggery, organic poultry, and cattle ranching.
Through her groundbreaking work, she inspires women to pursue unconventional careers, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.
Crocodile farming, which Dzingirai is excelling in, offers numerous benefits, including economic, environmental, and social advantages. Economically, it provides a lucrative source of income through the sale of meat, skin, and other products, creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
Environmentally, controlled farming reduces the pressure on wild populations and helps conserve natural habitats. Additionally, crocodile farming promotes sustainable wildlife management, mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Socially, it supports rural communities and indigenous livelihoods, preserving cultural heritage and traditional practices.
Furthermore, crocodile farming facilitates research and development of life-saving medicines, such as antibiotics and anti-venom, from crocodile-derived products. Overall, responsible crocodile farming contributes to biodiversity conservation, rural development, and innovative healthcare solutions.