In Zimbabwe, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is emerging as a significant threat to poultry health and food security, as micro-organisms develop the ability to survive exposure to antimicrobial agents. To address this challenge, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with support from the Fleming Fund grant and in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, has been implementing Broiler Farmer Field Schools (FFS). This approach equips local poultry farmers with knowledge and practical skills on biosecurity and responsible antimicrobial use, enhancing productivity, animal health, and food security.
Recently, FAO facilitated graduation ceremonies for 106 FFS farmers and facilitators in Matabeleland South province, marking the successful completion of a two-year programme. The initiative began in February 2024 with a three-week Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop for government and community facilitators, followed by farmer identification at ward level, development of locally adapted curricula, and three cycles of broiler production per FFS. The programme emphasizes participatory learning, hands-on demonstrations, and behaviour change, helping farmers minimize reliance on antibiotics while promoting prudent antimicrobial use in line with FAO’s RENO FARM initiative.
The FFS approach has proven effective in boosting productivity and food security. According to Tinashe Hodobo, Animal Health Focal Point in Zimbabwe’s One Health Secretariat, farmers have learned to improve production, reduce losses, and enhance food security while curbing antimicrobial misuse. FAO previously piloted the FFS model between 2020 and 2022 in eight districts, and in 2023, selected Veterinary Services officers from across Africa received master training in Kenya, strengthening regional expertise in farmer-led learning.
The programme has expanded to four new districts, establishing FFS as hubs for practical training. Farmers receive basic personal protective equipment, inputs like feeders, waterers, chicks, feed, and disinfectants, and structured training. Some FFS have even spawned “daughter” schools, further increasing reach and impact. Farmers such as Edward Muleya of the Fit-Broilers FFS Group in Beitbridge have highlighted the transformative impact of learning to rear poultry responsibly without over-reliance on antibiotics.
FAO is ensuring the programme’s sustainability by working closely with Community Facilitators, government Veterinary Services, and agricultural production specialists, enrolling more participants and embedding biosecurity and responsible antimicrobial practices at the community level. The initiative also strengthens AMR surveillance under the One Health framework, with upgraded laboratories across Zimbabwe improving diagnostic capacity for early detection and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance.
Looking ahead, FAO plans to expand the Broiler FFS model to more districts, integrate lessons into broader agrifood systems initiatives, and deepen linkages with RENOFARM for climate-resilient, sustainable poultry production. By embedding responsible antimicrobial use and biosecurity as core practices, the programme aims to build healthier, more productive livestock systems and support Zimbabwe’s broader agrifood transformation.
