Food systems accelerator report: Strengthening resilient Sasso poultry business enterprises in Murehwa District, Zimbabwe

The CGIAR Food Systems Accelerator (CFSA) program is a science-driven accelerator designed within the CGIAR Initiative on Agroecology and the Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa, to support agribusinesses scale agroecological and climate-smart innovations that address pressing challenges in Agrifood systems. The tailored science-based technical assistance provided within the accelerator program provides the agribusinesses companies with the necessary tools and knowledge to become more commercially viable and sustainable. This approach promotes sustainable farming practices and businesses that can enhance food production while mitigating the impact of climate change. The program prioritizes agribusinesses scaling innovations designed with a user-centric approach for smallholder farmers and businesses that have a strong potential for commercial sustainability. The accelerator program, through the Agroecology Initiative, provided small grants to agroecology businesses to help them speed up the agroecological transition within the business models identified within the Initiative. The agribusiness companies selected for the implementation of agroecology grants are those that are already implementing agroecological innovations on various components of the agri-food system and the identified business models in the Murehwa Agroecological Living Landscape (ALLS). Hamara has been complementing the work of the Agroecology Initiative since 2023 by promoting a two-stage production system for Sasso chickens as a sustainable and appropriate alternative to other forms of livestock production. This model emphasizes proper brooding management for Sasso chicks from day old to 3 weeks (Stage 1). Following the brooding phase, the production enters Stage 2 (the Mother Unit phase), where the birds are raised under a free-range system as “teen” birds, utilizing the natural environment as much as possible to sustain production. The production of Sasso chickens can be self-sustaining, provided there is adequate feed available in the natural surroundings. Additionally, during Stage 2, the birds can digest household waste such as leftover sadzaor vegetable scraps, further enhancing their sustainability; or home-grown maize crush, or even bought feed if necessaryHamara’s approach is designed to unlock farmers’ productive potential through management training and coaching in production and marketing. This includes the use of the launching of the Hamara App, which supports the entire business cycle, including planning, management, financial record-keeping, performance monitoring, and marketing.