Veterinary Services, Zimbabwe

08/08/2026

GOAT FARMING: A CLIMATE-SMART LIVELIHOOD

Farmer Simbarashe Masvosvovere of Kariba District believes in goat farming as a sustainable source of livelihood. He keeps an average of 300–350 goats, demonstrating the potential of small livestock to strengthen household incomes and resilience.

Goat farming is highly suited to Zimbabwe’s conditions and is a climate-smart farming enterprise. Goats require relatively less feed and water than larger livestock, adapt well to dry conditions, reproduce relatively quickly, and provide farmers with meat, breeding stock and income.

Their smaller size also makes them easier for households to manage and scale.

As climate variability and water challenges increase, investing in resilient livestock enterprises such as goat production can help farmers diversify livelihoods, manage climate risks and strengthen food security.

Early action today builds resilient livelihoods for tomorrow.

📍 Kariba District
👨🏾‍🌾 Farmer: Simbarashe Masvosvovere
👨🏾‍🌾 ABAO: Munsaka John
👨🏾‍🌾 ABAS: Makamu Manuel

07/08/2026

Cattle branding by the veterinary services Kajakata Diptank Chakonda zone Shamva District Mashonaland Central Province Zimbabwe

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07/08/2026

Promoting Indigenous Zimbabwe breeds for a resilient future.

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

Government Strengthens Livestock Disease Control

The Chief Director of the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Dr Pious Makaya, outlined Government’s significant progress in strengthening livestock disease prevention and control during the Zimbabwe Agricultural Society (ZAS) Livestock Conference held on 5 August 2026.

Presenting on Zimbabwe’s disease outbreak response framework, Dr Makaya highlighted the country’s achievements in controlling major livestock diseases, including Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), Tick-borne Diseases (January Disease), Newcastle Disease, African Swine Fever (ASF), and maintaining freedom from Avian Influenza. He attributed these gains to strengthened disease surveillance, strategic vaccination programmes, enhanced laboratory diagnostic capacity, improved biosecurity, and rapid outbreak response systems.

Dr Makaya also underscored Government’s continued investment in livestock health through the rehabilitation of dip tanks, expansion of vaccination campaigns, strengthened farmer extension services, and improved disease prevention measures. He noted that a robust veterinary service remains fundamental to safeguarding food security, protecting rural livelihoods, facilitating livestock trade, and driving agricultural transformation in line with Vision 2030.

The conference brought together Government officials, farmers, industry stakeholders, researchers and development partners to deliberate on practical strategies for building a resilient, productive and sustainable livestock sector.

04/08/2026

BIG WIN FOR TEAM MATOBO!

The Directorate of Veterinary Services proudly celebrates Team Matobo, winners of the Best Government Department Display at the 2026 Maphisa Business Expo (03–04 August 2026).

Team Matobo impressed with a vibrant and engaging exhibition showcasing the impact of Government programmes in transforming the livestock sector and improving rural livelihoods.

Their display highlighted key areas of veterinary services, including animal health, disease control, food safety, and livestock production, earning them top honours among all departments.

This achievement reflects strong teamwork, innovation, and dedication in representing the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the Ministry of Agriculture Mechanisation and Water Resources Development.

Congratulations to the entire Team Matobo for flying the Ministry’s flag high!

Well done, Team Matobo—this victory is well deserved!

03/08/2026