What happens when women are given the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in dairy farming?
The answer was on full display at Marirangwe.
On 12 June, the Embassy of Sweden-funded project, Inclusive Market-Oriented Value Chains for Economic Development (iMOVED), led by We Effect, together with its partner, the Zimbabwe Association of Dairy Farmers (ZADF), hosted a vibrant Field Day at Marirangwe, Zimbabwe. Hosted by lead farmer Mrs. Hela, the event showcased the transformative impact of women-led dairy enterprises.
Held alongside the World Milk Day celebrations, the Field Day brought together dairy farmers, government officials, private sector representatives, including milk offtakers such as Dairibord, Kefalos, Dendairy, and Nestlé; input suppliers including Fivet and Agricos; financial institutions such as SMEDCO and TATU Capital; development partners; and community members.
This year’s World Milk Day theme, “Celebrating Women Farmers,” recognizes the invaluable contribution of women to the dairy sector, food security, and sustainable agriculture. The Field Day highlighted the remarkable achievements of women participating in the iMOVED Project, as well as previous We Effect-supported dairy initiatives.
Participants learned about the various entry points for women into the dairy value chain being promoted through the iMOVED Project. These include the purchase of affordable weaner heifers, the beef-to-dairy conversion model, artificial insemination (AI), and locally accessible financing mechanisms such as Internal Savings and Lending Schemes (ISALS) and revolving funds for the acquisition of dairy animals.
Through these initiatives, one of the standout outcomes is the formation of the “Marirangwe Women in Dairy Group”, led by Mrs. Hela and fellow women farmers. Using the ISAL model, the group has successfully acquired ten heifers for its 20 members, with each member contributing USD 50 per month, demonstrating the power of collective action and community-driven financing.
Mrs. Hela’s journey is particularly inspiring. In 2021, she made a bold transition from a banking career in Harare to pursue dairy farming full-time. Starting with just six crossbred cattle, she gradually expanded her herd through natural herd growth and strategic heifer purchases. Over the years, she has transformed her enterprise into a thriving medium-scale dairy business. Today, she owns a herd of 46 cattle, producing over 120 litres of milk daily from 12 milking cows supplied to the Marirangwe Milk Collection Centre.
Her success has been further supported through iMOVED grant and matching grant investments at the Marirangwe Milk Collection Centre, including a baler, slasher, and feed rack. These investments have significantly reduced feed costs while improving the quality of feed available to dairy farmers. During the Field Day, participants were impressed with the abundance of fodder harvested and the excellent condition of her herd.
Inspiring testimonies from Mrs. Hela and fellow beneficiaries, including Mrs. Marwa and Mrs. Makoni, demonstrated the resilience, determination, and long-term sustainability of investing in women-led dairy farming. Today, these women are supplying significant volumes of milk to formal markets, contributing meaningfully to household incomes and national milk production.
The event was officiated by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mavis Sibanda.
With more than 400 participants in attendance, including dairy farmers, senior government officials, development partners, private sector representatives, and government departments, the event served as a powerful platform to celebrate the achievements of women in dairy farming and their critical role in strengthening Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector and national milk supply.
Together, We Effect and project partners continue to champion women’s economic empowerment, resilient livelihoods, and sustainable food systems.
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