Zimbabwe’s Feed and Fodder Sector Industrializing a USD 24.5 Billion Economic Engine

Abstract

Zimbabwe’s livestock sector is a foundational pillar of the national economy, accounting for 6% to 8% of the national GDP and 35% to 38% of the agricultural GDP. However, this massive economic potential is severely constrained by its foundational input: feed and fodder. Feed constitutes up to 60% of total livestock production costs—and skyrockets to between 79% and 85% of milk production costs in the dairy sector. This exorbitant input burden renders local livestock-sourced products uncompetitive on both regional African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and global markets.