Supporting Training for Aspiring Poultry Farmers in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s poultry industry faces a significant skills gap, particularly among young, aspiring farmers who often lack access to practical training and exposure to modern poultry farming techniques. Without structured development programs, many struggle to gain the hands-on experience needed to run profitable farms, limiting their ability to contribute to food security and economic growth.
To address this challenge, the World Poultry Foundation (WPF) supported the Growing Farmers Internship Program, modeled after South Africa’s successful Future Farmers Foundation. Through this initiative, 21 young Zimbabweans participated in year-long internships on commercial poultry farms in the United States under the U.S. Department of State J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, gaining vital, hands-on training in modern poultry practices.
The program operated on a revolving fund model: WPF grants covered the initial costs of sending interns abroad, and upon returning, participants repaid the interest-free loans from their earnings. These repayments replenished the fund, ensuring new interns could benefit from the same opportunity—a sustainable cycle of training and reinvestment.
The poultry internships left a lasting impact, equipping young farmers with skills, knowledge, and leadership that continue to strengthen Zimbabwe’s poultry sector. By empowering youth, the program boosted food security and fostered a new generation of agricultural leaders. Although the initiative concluded in 2023 due to visa and travel constraints, efforts are underway to explore new pathways for future internship opportunities.