In the heart of Ward 15 Nyikavanhu under Chief Chirumhanzu, a community empowerment initiative spearheaded by Dinson Iron and Steel Company (DISCO) is steadily transforming lives and creating new opportunities for local families.
What began in 2023 as a modest piggery and gardening project employing 28 workers drawn from Nyikavanhu and surrounding communities has grown into a thriving enterprise with an impressive herd of 228 pigs. The project stands as a practical example of how corporate social responsibility can directly contribute to rural development, economic empowerment and the aspirations of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which places strong emphasis on food security, employment creation, poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth.
At a time when communities across the country are seeking sustainable livelihoods, the DISCO piggery project has emerged as a beacon of hope. More than simply raising livestock, the initiative is creating jobs, transferring agricultural skills, strengthening food security and providing a foundation for future wealth creation within the community.
Speaking to Manhize Post, former Ward 15 Councillor Raphael Maphete described the project as one of the most significant community empowerment initiatives to be introduced in the area in recent years. “This project has brought real change to our community. When it started in 2023, many people saw it as a small initiative, but today its impact is visible. Families are benefiting, employment opportunities have been created and people are learning valuable agricultural skills. This is the kind of development that communities need because it creates long-term benefits rather than short-term handouts. We appreciate DISCO for recognising the importance of investing in people and ensuring that development reaches local communities,” said Maphete.
The success of the project reflects a growing understanding that major investments should leave lasting benefits in host communities. Through the provision of pig shelters, feed, infrastructure and technical support, DISCO has ensured that the project is built on a sustainable foundation capable of supporting future expansion. Speaking during an interview with Manhize Post, Wilfred Motsi, Project Manager for Dinson Iron and Steel Company, said the company established the project after identifying a need within the surrounding communities.
“As a company, we saw the need within the community and realised that we could make a meaningful contribution through a sustainable agricultural project. The piggery was established to create employment, build local capacity and provide a source of income for families. We have provided infrastructure, shelters, feed and ongoing support because we want the project to succeed in the long term. Our vision is to see local communities growing alongside the industrial development taking place in the area. We believe community empowerment is critical to sustainable development, and this project is one way of ensuring that local people directly benefit from the opportunities created by DISCO’s presence in the area,” said Motsi.
Experts in livestock production note that pig farming remains one of the fastest-growing agricultural enterprises due to the animal’s high reproductive capacity and rapid growth rates. A healthy breeding programme can significantly increase stock numbers over a relatively short period, making piggery one of the most effective tools for rural economic development.
Based on a conservative annual growth rate of 20 percent, the current population of 228 pigs could grow to approximately 567 pigs within the next five years. Such expansion would substantially increase the project’s commercial value and create opportunities for additional employment and income generation.
The wider Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe area is home to thousands of residents and hundreds of households. If the project continues to expand and support community participation, many families could benefit directly through employment, livestock production, feed supply contracts and related agricultural activities. Assuming an average household size of five people, even 100 households participating directly in future expansion programmes could positively impact more than 500 people.
The project also highlights the importance of modern livestock management practices. Successful pig farming requires quality housing, proper feeding programmes, disease prevention measures, veterinary support and access to clean water. The shelters constructed by DISCO provide protection against adverse weather conditions while ensuring healthy growth and productivity among the animals. Continuous provision of feed and technical support has further strengthened the project’s chances of long-term success.
Beyond the financial benefits, the initiative contributes to broader national objectives under NDS2 by promoting food security, rural industrialisation and community participation in economic development. As Zimbabwe continues to pursue economic transformation, projects such as the DISCO piggery and gardening initiative demonstrate how private sector investment can directly improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
The project has already created employment for 28 workers from local and surrounding communities, injecting income into households and helping stimulate economic activity in the area. The gardening component complements the piggery by promoting agricultural production and creating additional opportunities for skills development and food production.
For Nyikavanhu and the wider Chirumhanzu-Zibagwe community, the growing piggery project represents more than a livestock enterprise. It is a symbol of partnership, empowerment and sustainable development. From humble beginnings in 2023 to a thriving operation housing 228 pigs today, the initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when corporate investment is aligned with community needs.
As the project continues to expand, one question remains: if a single community-based piggery can create jobs, improve livelihoods and strengthen food security for hundreds of people, what impact could similar initiatives have if replicated across Zimbabwe’s rural communities? The answer may well lie in the success story unfolding today in Ward 15 Nyikavanhu under Chief Chirumhanzu.
