A dairy farmer in Kwekwe, Mr. Delan Coetzee, is contributing significantly to Zimbabwe’s agricultural transformation, producing around 12,000 litres of milk daily as part of the country’s broader agrarian revival.
Mr. Coetzee currently milks approximately 500 cows each day, with plans to expand his herd to 700 by the end of the year. After experimenting with imported breeds from South Africa in 2023, he has now shifted his focus to local breeding, which he says is proving more sustainable and cost-effective.
“We brought in some South African breeds last year, but they did not meet our expectations in terms of viability,” he explained. “We have now switched to locally bred cattle, and the results have been encouraging. Each cow currently yields around 27 litres of milk daily. With our feeding program, we’re aiming to raise that to 29 litres per cow. At present, we are averaging 13,000 litres of milk a day, and we hope to push that up to 15,000 litres.”
The success of the farm has also attracted international attention, including a recent visit by His Excellency Nadeska Cuthbert, the Nicaraguan Ambassador to Zimbabwe. During the tour, the ambassador pledged his country’s support for Zimbabwe’s agricultural advancement.
“We see great value in ongoing collaboration between our two nations, particularly in improving livestock genetics and sharing expertise in cold chain systems,” said Ambassador Cuthbert. “This partnership is rooted in our mutual goal of achieving food security and sovereignty, and it reflects the spirit of South-to-South cooperation.”
The visit was welcomed by Zimbabwean officials, who viewed it as a sign of strengthening diplomatic ties. Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube, said the visit aligns well with the government’s foreign policy.
“Your Excellency, this cooperation supports President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement strategy with friendly nations. We in the Midlands Province are encouraged by this visit, which highlights our shared commitment to modernising agriculture and building a strong, empowered economy by Vision 2030,” he said.
Zimbabwe and Nicaragua formally established closer ties in March 2024, following the opening of Nicaragua’s embassy in Harare. The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost collaboration in agriculture and other areas, marking a new chapter in bilateral relations.
