Zimbabwe is taking significant strides to curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in its poultry sector through the farmer field schools poultry training approach. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to survive antimicrobial agents, reducing the effectiveness of medicines for treating infections. To tackle this, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), supported by the Fleming Fund and in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, has implemented Broiler Farmer Field Schools (FFS) to equip local poultry farmers with knowledge on biosecurity, responsible antimicrobial use, and sustainable production practices.
Graduation Marks Milestone for Farmers
Last week, FAO facilitated graduation ceremonies for 106 FFS farmers and facilitators in Matabeleland South province, celebrating 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. Farmers were then identified at ward level, followed by locally adapted curricula and three cycles of broiler production per FFS.
Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, emphasized: “The graduation ceremonies highlight how Broiler FFS serve as participatory hubs of knowledge transfer, empowering farmers to navigate poultry production while promoting the prudent use of antimicrobials to combat AMR.”
Hands-On Learning for Sustainable Poultry Farming
The FFS approach emphasizes participatory learning, practical demonstrations, and behavior change. Farmers learn to enhance biosecurity, reduce disease risks, and minimize antibiotic reliance. These principles align with FAO’s Reduce the Need for Antimicrobials on Farms for Sustainable Agrifood Systems Transformation (RENOFARM) initiative, which promotes resilient, sustainable farming practices.
Between 2020 and 2022, FAO piloted the FFS approach in eight districts, followed by master training for Veterinary Services officers in Kenya in 2023. “Farmers have learned how to increase productivity, reduce losses, and improve food security,” said Tinashe Hodobo, Animal Health Focal Point at Zimbabwe’s One Health Secretariat.
Edward Muleya, Vice Chairperson of Fit-Broilers FFS Group, shared: “We’ve learned to rear poultry responsibly without relying on antibiotics, transforming the way we farm.”
Scaling Up and Expanding Impact
FAO established a network of Broiler FFS across four new districts, providing PPE, inputs like feeders, waterers, chicks, feeds, and disinfectants, and structured training. Some initial FFS have led to daughter schools, expanding reach and impact.
Nokukanya Jiyane, Government FFS Facilitator in Mangwe district, noted: “Through practical sessions, we’ve learned to implement biosecurity and good management instead of relying on drugs. The system is working in our villages.”
FAO continues to work with Community Facilitators, Veterinary Services, and agricultural specialists to enroll more participants and ensure program sustainability.
AMR Surveillance and Multi-Sectoral Integration
The programme also strengthens AMR surveillance under the One Health framework. Zimbabwean laboratories have been upgraded to improve diagnostics and early detection of antimicrobial resistance, ensuring farmers’ practices are reinforced by robust monitoring.
Kudzaishe Vhoko-Tapesana, FAO National AMR Coordinator, added: “Beyond these certificates, the knowledge gained must become a way of life. Scaling up FFS is key to tackling AMR and building healthier, more productive livestock and agrifood systems.”
FAO plans to integrate lessons from Broiler FFS into broader agrifood initiatives, linking with RENOFARM for climate-resilient practices and deepening AMR surveillance to embed responsible antimicrobial use and biosecurity across Zimbabwe’s poultry value chain.
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This story was first reported by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa. Read the full article here.
