The journey of Kusibo Livestock Group reflects how organised farmers can turn a shared challenge into a thriving business opportunity. With support from the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP), the group is building a commercial cattle fattening enterprise founded on strong governance, sound financial management and collective investment. The group was established in 2017 through an animal vaccination and livestock health programme implemented by Amalima Loko. Initially comprising 61 farmers, the group focused on improving cattle health, accessing veterinary drugs at discounted prices, and collectively marketing livestock.
The introduction of the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP) marked a turning point. After carefully reviewing the project’s eligibility requirements and grant conditions, 32 members registered under the Agricultural Producer Group (APG) model and embarked on a journey towards establishing a formal, commercially driven cattle fattening enterprise. To strengthen governance and prepare for business operations, the group developed a constitution and opened a corporate bank account with AFC, ensuring transparent financial management and accountability.
With the support of traditional leadership, the group secured three hectares of land in Jejeti Village after obtaining Free, Prior and Informed Consent from the Village Head. Land development is already well underway, with the first hectare fully cleared and work progressing on the second hectare.
Demonstrating their commitment to the enterprise, members mobilised the mandatory 20 percent contribution required under the SACP matching grant arrangement, raising a total of US$1,000. This enabled them to successfully access a loan worth US$5760 through AFC, providing the capital needed to establish the cattle fattening enterprise.
Each member has also committed 20 steers, which are now ready to be transferred from individual homesteads into the communal feedlot for the first fattening cycle.
The group has already leveraged the project to attract additional investment. Through engagement with government programmes, members successfully lobbied for the drilling of a 100-metre borehole under the Government Drought Mitigation Programme. The borehole will provide a reliable water source for the feedlot and pasture production, while the SACP matching grant will be used to equip it with a submersible pump, water storage tanks, a drip irrigation system, security lighting, a storeroom and ablution facilities.
To further strengthen the enterprise, Kusibo Livestock Group has submitted a proposal requesting an additional grant to complete critical infrastructure, including perimeter fencing for the remaining hectare and equipment for the newly drilled borehole.
The group is also investing in environmental sustainability. Members will contribute labour towards clearing the remaining land, establish pasture on two hectares to support cattle fattening, and plant trees around the project site to improve the local environment.
Capacity building has been central to the group’s transformation. Through training provided by SACP and LEAD, members have strengthened their knowledge in climate-smart agriculture, nutrition, financial literacy, Gender Action Learning System (GALS), para-veterinary services and enterprise management. The group maintains comprehensive records, including attendance registers, meeting minutes, training records and a livestock vaccination calendar, demonstrating its commitment to good governance and accountability.
Recognising that market access is critical to long-term success, the group appointed two committee members to lead market research. They have already identified three potential off-takers, who are abattoirs in Lupane and Bulawayo. Members also participated in a learning visit to Jotsholo Abattoir, where they gained practical insights into the cattle fattening value chain and market requirements.
With its grant proposal now approved and procurement processes underway, Kusibo Livestock Group is well positioned to transition from a community livestock association into a sustainable commercial cattle enterprise. By combining strong governance, strategic partnerships, climate-resilient infrastructure and market-driven production, the group is creating new opportunities for improved incomes and resilient livelihoods for farming households in Jejeti Village.
