“I am a 55-year-old farmer who used to rely heavily on subsistence farming until I faced challenges due to a growing family, climate change and increasing expenses for my children like school fees and food requirements. My perspective then changed after receiving training on entrepreneurship and financial literacy from DAPP Farmers’ Clubs Chivi with funding support from GAIA USA. With an initial capital of $96, I started a broiler production business in January 2024, purchasing 25 chickens and the requisite feed. Thanks to the knowledge and skills obtained from DAPP including feed management and vaccinations, I only lost 1 chick. This low mortality accompanied with marketing training ensured a very profitable project.
After six weeks, I sold my broilers for $7 each, earning a total of $168. Subtracting expenses of $96, my profit was $72. Encouraged by this success, I invested in second batch of similar numbers before expanding the size of the project on the third batch to 50 broilers. Now the project is generating a turnover of $300 and a profit of $110 after expenses for each batch.
I also improved my marketing strategies, taking advantage of organized open market sales days in Chivi and surrounding areas, including Masvingo and Ngundu. I also practice mobile marketing where I sell my broilers door-to-door in my village and nearby communities using a wheelbarrow. My monthly income has increased by 400% up from $30 per month allowing me to support my family, invest in my children’s education and expand my business. Through broiler production, my life and income sources have transformed completely”.
Mercury Moyo, (55) from Chivi District, Zimbabwe
