IN Zimbabwe, a quiet agricultural revolution is underway, led not by traditional crops or livestock, but by rabbits.
Spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (Zicorba), this movement is tackling food security, creating economic opportunities for all generations, and positioning the country as a leader in Africa's protein sector.
Bringing order to a growing industry
To cement this growth, Zicorba is set to launch a national rabbit breeders register early next year. This first-of-its-kind initiative aims to bring professionalism and credibility to the sector.
"The register will protect farmers and consumers by eliminating fly-by-night operators and promoting trust in rabbit products," explains Kingston Rapukeni, Zicorba’s Secretary for Inspection and Certification.
“It will also serve as an official reference point for buyers, investors, and regulatory authorities, ensuring that rabbit farming in Zimbabwe meets both national and international standards.”
Certified breeders will gain better access to markets, technical support, and financing, making it easier to forge partnerships with hotels, supermarkets, and exporters. Soaring demand meets supply challenges
This push for professionalism comes at a crucial time. Zimbabwe is currently facing a shortage of rabbit meat as consumer demand surges ahead of production.
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Zicorba president Regis Nyamakanga attributes the shortage to a sharp rise in demand from health-conscious consumers.
"We are seeing renewed consumer interest in rabbit meat because it is a healthy, high-protein option. But production simply hasn’t caught up," he says.
The nutritional benefits are a key driver. Health experts highlight that rabbit meat is lean, low in cholesterol, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals like B-vitamins and phosphorus. This makes it an attractive alternative to red meats.
This demand is reflected across the region, with retail prices firming up in Eastern and Southern Africa.
In Zimbabwe, a kilogramme sells for around US$7 to US$10, creating a strong incentive for farmers. Compared to traditional meats such as chicken and beef, rabbit farming offers the potential for better incomes and quicker production cycles.
A generation-bridging opportunity
The appeal of rabbit farming is its accessibility, attracting both the young and old.
At 25, Munashe Kupera, an animal scientist, is building her commercial venture in Nyazura. Her passion began at university with a student research project.
For her, rabbit farming is more than just an enterprise—it is a calling. Each day she spends in the rabbitry brings her closer to transforming her passion into possibility. She believes that with research, dedication, and collaboration, the rabbit industry in Zimbabwe can unlock its full potential.
Conversely, 74-year-old Ethel Bofu proves that innovation has no age limit. Starting in December 2024 with just ten rabbits, her herd has since multiplied to 53.
"Rabbit keeping is therapeutic for me," she shares, highlighting its low-stress, low-maintenance nature.
Over the next three months, she plans to expand her stock and improve her infrastructure by 40%. As treasurer of the Dowa Rabbit Farmers Club, she is part of a community model blending education with economic empowerment.
Investing in the future
The success of young farmers such as Rapukeni underscores the importance of mentorship. A recent graduate in Animal and Wildlife Sciences, Kingston is a beneficiary of the Zicorba and Raymeg Youth Support Initiative, which provided him with starter stock and guidance.
"Today, I can proudly say that I am not only a graduate but also a successful rabbit farmer," he states, now running a thriving project with 30 does.
This model of support is being replicated beyond borders.
In Rwanda, Kigali Rabbit Farm Ltd, founded by Dieudonne Musoni, has become a hub for breeding, training, and value addition. Its success demonstrates the continent-wide potential of rabbit farming to create jobs and improve food security.
Challenges
However, challenges remain. According to Nyamakanga, the cost of scaling up rabbit production, such as sourcing quality breeding stock, ensuring adequate feed supplies, and investing in housing and veterinary care, poses hurdles for many farmers.
“Limited processing and cold chain facilities in some countries also constrain market access, while competition from cheaper meats like chicken may limit how fast rabbit can expand into mainstream diets,” he says.
Despite these hurdles, Nyamakanga is optimistic that the sector can grow rapidly if farmers embrace improved breeding practices, collective marketing, and closer collaboration with processors and retailers.
“With the right support, rabbit farming can transform livelihoods while supplying the region with one of the healthiest sources of protein,” he says.
The way forward
The path ahead involves increasing production to meet demand. Zicorba is urging farmers to scale up breeding, improve feed efficiency, and strengthen supply-chain coordination.
While challenges remain, the outlook is optimistic. With its nutritional benefits, relatively low barrier to entry, and strong market prices, rabbit farming is poised for significant growth.
From establishing a certified breeders register to inspiring a new generation of farmers, Zimbabwe’s rabbit industry is hopping forward with purpose, proving that this niche livestock could become a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural prosperity.
Bofu advised aspiring farmers to “start small, connect with other farmers, and grow,” adding that rabbit farming is “a viable and rewarding business that can change your life in a short space of time.”
