Zimbabwe’s rabbit meat industry expands as demand exceeds 10 tonnes per month
ZIMBABWE – Zimbabwe’s rabbit meat industry is experiencing significant growth, with consumption now exceeding 10 tonnes per month.
The Zimbabwe Commercial Rabbit Breeders Association is implementing several strategies to support this rising demand, including contract growing programs, loan facilities for farmers, and rabbit farming initiatives in schools and colleges.
To improve productivity, the association is introducing artificial insemination programs aimed at increasing breeding efficiency among farmers.
Zimbabwe has also taken the lead in processing rabbit meat into various products, including burgers, pies, samosas, polony, sausages, and biltong, which are gaining traction in local markets.
Efforts are underway to collaborate with insurance providers to offer protection for rabbit farmers against potential risks while also developing local vaccines to address disease challenges.
The association has announced plans to host a Rabbit Expo, which will bring together farmers from Zimbabwe and neighboring countries to showcase breeds and exchange knowledge on best farming practices.
Industry stakeholders aim to grow the sector’s value from US$25 million to US$100 million in the long term, with expectations of creating jobs and improving livelihoods, particularly for women and youth in urban and rural areas.
New Developments in Rabbit Meat Processing
Raymeg Consultants Private Limited, a company operating in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, and Somalia, introduced rabbit biltong as a new addition to Zimbabwe’s rabbit meat industry.
Biltong, a traditional dried and cured meat commonly made from beef and game, will now be available in a rabbit-based version as Raymeg expands its range of value-added rabbit products.
The company has already introduced rabbit polony, sausages, roasted rabbit meals, burgers, hot dogs, samosas, and pies, which have gained popularity among local consumers.
To increase accessibility, Raymeg is setting up two additional restaurants in the Mufakose and Dzivarasekwa neighborhoods of Harare, complementing its existing rabbit grill and restaurant in Waterfalls.
There are plans to expand further through franchise arrangements in other major cities, making rabbit meat more widely available to consumers.
Beyond the local market, Raymeg is looking to export its rabbit-based products to regional markets to contribute to Zimbabwe’s foreign currency earnings.
The company, which operates across agriculture, manufacturing, communications, real estate, and retail, continues to invest in expanding the country’s food production sector.
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