DEMAND for rabbit meat is steadily rising, both locally and globally, as consumers turn to affordable, high-protein alternatives. Market research firm IndexBox projects global consumption will continue expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 5% to 6% between 2024 and 2031. In Zimbabwe, the sector is still emerging, but carries significant upside, with industry players projecting it could grow into a US$100 million market over time. Yet production continues to lag behind demand, highlighting both the constraints and the opportunity ahead. To unpack the industry’s current position and growth prospects, our assistant editor Mthandazo Nyoni (MN) spoke to Regis Nyamakanga (RN), president of the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (Zicorba), which is playing a central role in shaping the sector’s development. Below are excerpts from the interview:
MN: How would you describe the current state of Zimbabwe’s rabbit industry in terms of production capacity versus demand?
RN: Zimbabwe’s rabbit industry is currently in a growth phase, although it remains constrained by limited production capacity. Demand for rabbit meat continues to rise, driven by its nutritional value and increasing consumer awareness. However, supply has yet to keep pace, with producers and processors often unable to meet consistent market demand. This gap presents a significant opportunity for expansion across the value chain.
MN: Zicorba has introduced initiatives such as contract growing and loan schemes. How effective have these been in bringing new farmers into the value chain?
RN: Efforts by Zicorba and its corporate partners in recent years to distribute pure rabbit breeds and establish a processing facility (rabbit abattoir) have helped lower entry barriers for new farmers by improving access to quality breeding stock and providing assured markets. As a result, more smallholder farmers; particularly youth and rural households; are entering rabbit production, gradually formalising what was once largely an informal activity.
MN: Value addition appears to be gaining traction, with products such as sausages and biltong entering the market. How significant is this segment to the industry’s future growth?
RN: At the same time, value addition is emerging as a critical pillar for the industry’s future. The introduction of processed products such as sausages, burgers, pies, polony and biltong is expanding market reach and improving consumer acceptance.
These products not only enhance shelf life but also make rabbit meat more accessible to urban consumers and formal retail markets. Over time, value-added products are expected to contribute a growing share of industry revenues and attract further investment.
- Rabbit farmers fail to satisfy Botswana market
- AVC extends footprint in agric sector
- Rabbit breeders association in massive restructuring
- EU extends dairy project lifespan
Keep Reading
MN: Last year, you indicated that the industry has the potential to grow from its current US$20 million valuation to a US$100 million enterprise in the long term. What are the key milestones needed to reach that target?
RN: The vision of transforming the sector into a US$20 million industry in the short to medium-term and into a US$100 million enterprise in the long term depends on achieving several key milestones.
Central to this is scaling up production through a combination of commercial farming and coordinated smallholder participation. This must be supported by improved breeding systems to ensure consistent, high-quality stock, as well as investment in processing infrastructure such as abattoirs and cold chain systems.
Market development, supportive policies and improved access to financing will also be essential to sustain long-term growth.
MN: What role can exports realistically play in the near to medium term, and which markets is Zimbabwe targeting?
RN: Exports present a promising opportunity. However, in the medium term, Zimbabwe is likely to focus on regional markets within Sadc, where demand for alternative protein sources is increasing. For now, the domestic market remains the primary driver of growth.
MN: Disease outbreaks and biosecurity concerns have been flagged by farmers. How prepared is the industry to manage these risks at scale?
RN: Disease management and biosecurity are increasingly recognised as critical priorities. Awareness among farmers is improving, supported by ongoing training initiatives aimed at strengthening preparedness.
Scaling effective biosecurity measures will require stronger veterinary support systems and continued farmer education, particularly as production expands.
MN: What are the key structural challenges holding back large-scale commercialisation of rabbit farming in Zimbabwe?
RN: Despite the progress made, several structural challenges continue to hinder large-scale commercialisation. These include limited access to affordable feed, inconsistent availability of quality breeding stock, inadequate processing and cold chain infrastructure and gaps in financing. Addressing these constraints will be key to unlocking the industry’s full potential.
MN: Last year, there were reports of supply shortages despite rising interest. What needs to happen urgently to close the production gap?
RN: Closing the current production gap will require urgent and coordinated action. Expanding breeding programmes, alongside increased investment in feed production and supply chains, will be critical to supporting higher output.
MN: How is rabbit farming contributing to livelihoods and rural economic transformation?
RN: Rabbit farming is already making a meaningful contribution to livelihoods, particularly in rural and peri-urban communities. Its low startup costs, minimal land requirements and high reproduction rates make it an accessible and inclusive enterprise. As a result, it plays an important role in improving household incomes, enhancing food security and supporting broader rural economic transformation.
MN: Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, what is your outlook for the industry and what should investors and policymakers be prioritising now?
RN: The outlook for Zimbabwe’s rabbit industry remains positive. Continued growth is expected as investment increases, production systems mature and market demand strengthens. To sustain this momentum, there must be a strong focus on scaling production, strengthening value chains, enhancing policy support and promoting consumer awareness.
For both investors and policymakers, the priority is to build a well-coordinated and commercially-viable livestock subsector that can contribute meaningfully to economic diversification and national food security.
