By Panashe Karidzagundi.
A 49 year old Beitbridge farmer, Jowanisi Maworera has transformed his passion for livestock farming into a thriving enterprise.
His thriving enterprise is not only supporting his family but also helping young people stay away from drugs and substance abuse.
Maworera, who has been keeping ducks and other domestic animals for the past six years, said his interest in farming began while he was still at school.
Although his early attempts were unsuccessful, he remained determined and decided to pursue livestock farming seriously after completing his education.
“I started keeping ducks and other domestic animals while I was still at school, but the projects did not do well then. After finishing school, I decided to take farming seriously, and that is when things started improving,” he said.
The farmer keeps several livestock species, including ducks, rabbits, chickens, and dogs.
His ducks include the Pekin and Black Swedish and more, while he also rears different breeds of rabbits and dogs.
Maworera said the project enables him to earn an income, provide for his family and pay school fees for his children.
However, he said his greatest satisfaction comes from mentoring young people.
Maworera is currently training six young men in livestock production, equipping them with practical farming skills while encouraging them to avoid drugs and substance abuse.
“As youths, we should always have something productive to do. I want to help young people become self-reliant instead of turning to drugs. The six boys I am working with now understand how to manage these projects,” he said.
He recently acquired a four-hectare plot at Matshiloni, which about 30 kilometres east of Beitbridge town, where he plans to expand his livestock projects.
Previously, he operated mainly from his father’s property in Chivhu and also faced challenges while living there, where he said, finding suitable farming space was difficult.
Maworera said, ducks require adequate space and a reliable water source, adding that they are generally hardy birds and more resistant to diseases than other birds.
“Many people think ducks fly away, but if they have enough food and water they stay. I feed them sorghum, millet, sunflower seed, yellow maize and soya beans,” he said.
He also keeps several breeds of dogs but said limited space has prevented him from expanding that project.
Maworera hopes to increase production once development at his Matshiloni farm is complete.
According to Maworera, he keeps his different types of ducks together and not separately because they do not crossbreed.
He said a single drake (male duck) can mate with three to 10 female ducks, and he sells breeding pairs for US$150.
He said aspiring farmers who needs to venture into duck production, should have adequate land, water and commitment.
“With enough space, water and proper care, duck farming can become a profitable business while creating opportunities for young people,” he said.