Chegutu– In a remarkable show of women empowerment and practical education, female students at Mupfure College, one of the Zimbabwe Foundation for Education with Production (ZIMFEP) institutions are making significant strides in agriculture and animal husbandry.
Under the Second Republic’s drive to promote skills development and self-sufficiency among the youth, Mupfure College has become a beacon of hope for many young women determined to transform their lives through agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship.
Speaking to The Harare Post, Agriculture student Anita Fumisai expressed her excitement about the hands-on training she has received in poultry farming. “When I joined Mupfure, I had never raised chickens before. Now I can manage a whole broiler project from day-old chicks to marketing. I have already started a small poultry business at home, and it’s helping me pay for my tuition,” she said with pride.
Another student, Jane Mahachi, who specializes in piggery, highlighted the economic potential of livestock production. “Piggery is very profitable if done properly,” she explained. “We are taught everything, from feeding, breeding, and disease control to business management. I have started a small pig project with two sows, and I can already see how this will change my life and support my family.”
Meanwhile, Vimbai Chigwida a student focusing on tobacco production, said she has gained immense knowledge on modern and sustainable farming methods. “Tobacco is one of Zimbabwe’s key export crops. Through this program, I have learnt the science behind it, from seedbed preparation to curing. I’ve replicated these skills at our family plot, and the results are impressive,” she said.
These stories reflect the broader vision of the ZIMFEP initiative, which blends academic learning with practical production to empower students with real-world skills. The model ensures that learners are not only employable but also capable of creating their own enterprises, in line with Government’s Education 5.0 philosophy that promotes innovation, industrialization, and community development.
Through programmes like those at Mupfure College, the Second Republic continues to champion women’s empowerment, rural development, and inclusive participation in the agricultural economy.
As more young women like Anita, Jane, and Vimbai embrace farming and animal husbandry, Zimbabwe’s future looks brighter, built on the hands and minds of empowered, educated, and productive women.
