Rabbit Farming Fun by ZICORBA Training Department
Did you know that rabbits can rotate their ears up to 270 degrees?
To most people,those long ears are just part of what makes rabbits cute. To a rabbit farmer, they're one of nature's most impressive survival tools.
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Wednesday Rabbit Farming Fun Fact
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Did you know that a healthy doe can give birth to as many as to 12 kits in single litter?
Ambassador Backs Rabbit Export Push as Zimbabwe Targets African Markets
KIGALI, Rwanda, June 10, 2026: Zimbabwe's Ambassador to Rwanda, Prof. Charity Manyeruke, has pledged diplomatic support for efforts to secure African export markets for Zimbabwean rabbit products, as the country moves to transform its fast-growing rabbit industry into a significant source of jobs, foreign currency earnings and regional trade.
Speaking during a meeting with a Zimbabwean delegation currently in Rwanda for specialised rabbit artificial insemination training, Ambassador Manyeruke said Zimbabwe's rabbit sector was well-positioned to benefit from growing demand across the continent.
“We will support Zimbabwe to explore export markets within Africa,” she said. “The rabbit sector in Zimbabwe has the potential to create jobs and generate foreign currency.”
The ambassador's remarks come as Zimbabwe intensifies efforts to commercialise rabbit production and develop export-oriented value chains capable of supplying regional markets.
Prof. Manyeruke highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Zimbabwe and Rwanda, noting that the two countries have signed 33 Memoranda of Understanding since 2019, including agreements in agriculture that provide a framework for deeper cooperation and knowledge exchange.
The Zimbabwean delegation is led by Ms. Senzile Ndlovu, Acting Livestock Specialist in the Department of Livestock and Fisheries Production, and is undergoing specialised training in rabbit artificial insemination at the Kigali Rabbit Centre.
The training is expected to strengthen Zimbabwe's capacity to improve rabbit genetics, increase production efficiency and boost productivity—key factors in building a competitive industry capable of meeting both domestic and export demand.
Zimbabwe's rabbit industry has experienced rapid growth over the past six years, evolving from largely backyard production to a commercially driven sector. The industry's expansion has been fuelled by increasing consumer demand for rabbit meat, which is widely regarded as a healthy protein source due to its high protein content and low cholesterol levels.
Director of Livestock and Fisheries Production Mr. Milton Makumbe said the skills being acquired in Rwanda would support Zimbabwe's broader ambitions to position rabbit production as a key livestock subsector with export potential.
He said knowledge gained through the programme would contribute to plans to establish a National Rabbit Training, Research and Development Centre, complete with a dedicated Artificial Insemination Unit, to drive innovation, productivity and industry growth.
The trainees are expected to transfer the knowledge acquired in Rwanda to farmers and industry stakeholders across Zimbabwe through training programmes, demonstrations and extension support services.
Other members of the delegation include Mr. Tatenda Warima of the Department of Veterinary Technical Services, Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA) President Mr. Regis Nyamakanga, Raymeg Consultants Executive Director Mrs. Paidamoyo Nyamakanga, and trainees Farlen Marume and Melissa Nyamakanga.
The training is being conducted by Mr. Dieudonne Musoni, Chief Executive Officer of the Kigali Rabbit Centre, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen technical capacity and unlock new opportunities for Zimbabwe's growing rabbit industry.
With diplomatic backing, growing technical expertise and an expanding production base, industry stakeholders believe Zimbabwe is increasingly well-positioned to compete in emerging African markets for rabbit meat and related products.
Zimbabwe Turns to Artificial Insemination to Accelerate Rabbit Industry Growth
HARARE, Zimbabwe: 9 June 2026: Zimbabwe has dispatched a high-level government and private sector delegation to Rwanda for specialised training in rabbit artificial insemination, a move aimed at fast-tracking genetic improvement and boosting productivity in one of the country's fastest-growing livestock industries.
The delegation is led by Ms. Senzile Ndlovu, Acting Livestock Specialist in the Department of Livestock and Fisheries Production under the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development.
Other members of the delegation include Mr. Tatenda Warima, a Semen Processing Technologist and Artificial Insemination Technician in the Department of Veterinary Technical Services; Mr. Regis Nyamakanga, President of the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association (ZICORBA); Mrs. Paidamoyo Nyamakanga, Executive Director of Raymeg Consultants Private Limited Group; and trainee artificial insemination technicians Farlen Marume and Melissa Nyamakanga.
Mr. Milton Makumbe, Director of the Department of Livestock and Fisheries Production, said the programme will equip participants with advanced skills in rabbit reproductive biotechnology, semen processing, breeding management and artificial insemination technologies.
The training comes as Zimbabwe's rabbit industry continues its rapid transformation from a small-scale backyard activity into a commercially driven livestock sector attracting growing investment and farmer participation.
More than 5,000 farmers are now involved in rabbit production across the country, with the national breeding population estimated at over 500,000 rabbits. Rising demand for rabbit meat, expanding markets and organised industry structures have fuelled the sector's remarkable growth over the past six years.
Mr. Makumbe said artificial insemination represents a major opportunity to unlock the next phase of industry expansion.
“Artificial insemination has revolutionised rabbit production in leading rabbit-producing countries by improving breeding efficiency, accelerating genetic improvement and increasing productivity. Zimbabwe is now positioning itself to adopt these technologies and remain competitive,” he said.
The training is being conducted by Mr. Dieudonne Musoni, Chief Executive Officer of the Kigali Rabbit Centre in Rwanda, who said participants will undergo intensive theoretical and practical instruction in semen collection, evaluation and processing, reproductive management and artificial insemination procedures.
He said the introduction of modern reproductive technologies could significantly improve production efficiency, strengthen extension services, raise farmer incomes and attract new investment into Zimbabwe's emerging rabbit value chain.
Mr. Makumbe said the skills acquired in Rwanda would help build a stronger, more productive rabbit industry capable of contributing to food and nutrition security, rural industrialisation, employment creation and agricultural transformation.
“The initiative is also expected to support plans to establish a National Rabbit Training, Research and Development Centre in Zimbabwe, complete with a dedicated Artificial Insemination Unit to drive breeding programmes and genetic improvement.
:Upon their return, the trainees are expected to roll out nationwide knowledge-sharing programmes through farmer training workshops, demonstrations and advisory services targeting producers, extension officers, researchers and other stakeholders,” Mr. Makumbe said.
The Rwanda training programme marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's drive to modernise rabbit production and position the sector as a key contributor to the country's livestock economy.
Wednesday Rabbit Farming Fun Fact
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Did you know that a single rabbit can produce up to 40 kilograms of manure in a year?
Happy Africa Day!
The Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association celebrates the strength, diversity, and unity of our continent. As we mark this day, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing sustainable rabbit farming and food security across Zimbabwe and beyond.
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Wednesday Rabbit Farming Fun Fact
Powered by the ZICORBA Training Department
Rabbits handle cold weather better than extreme heat.
Because of their thick fur, rabbits are naturally more comfortable in cooler temperatures.
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On behalf of the Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association, we extend warm wishes to all mothers on this special day. Your dedication, care, and nurturing spirit inspire us all. Happy Mother's Day!
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