ZFRPA’s Empowerment Initiative for Artists: A Step Toward Sustainable Growth
The creative sector in Zimbabwe has welcomed a groundbreaking initiative by the Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Association (ZFRPA), aimed at empowering and educating artists on sustainable poultry projects. The initiative, which began in its first phase, provided 30 musicians, artists, and bloggers with 5,000 road runner chicks as part of a tailored empowerment programme designed to enhance their livelihoods.
This initiative is rooted in the ZFRPA’s mission to uplift communities through sustainable free-range poultry production and marketing, aligning with government policies focused on food security and economic growth. The programme aims to foster self-sufficiency among local creatives, giving them the resources to generate income outside of their primary professions.
The list of notable beneficiaries includes prominent figures from Zimbabwe’s music and entertainment scene, such as Nicholas Zakaria, Baba Machanic Manyeruke, Nutty O, Minister Michael Mahendere, and Pastor Lawrence Haisa, among others. These individuals are recognized not only for their artistic contributions but also for their influence in shaping society.
At the handover ceremony, Wisdom Gunzvenzve, the ZFRPA chief liaison officer from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development, highlighted the initiative’s potential to bring about positive change. “The Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, supports this initiative by ZFRPA. We hope it brings positive change to our local musicians,” he stated, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to supporting inclusivity in all sectors of society.
Beauty Jiji, the ZFRPA secretary general, further explained that the empowerment programme aligns with the organization’s broader objectives of enhancing food security and household incomes. She noted that the current batch of beneficiaries will play a significant role in encouraging sustainable farming practices and inspiring the next generation of artists to explore new avenues for income generation.
John Makombe, Chairman of the Zimbabwe Free Range Poultry Empowerment for Musicians, expressed gratitude towards both ZFRPA and the government for their role in supporting the initiative. He emphasized the importance of practical empowerment in helping artists diversify their income streams. “We should not look down upon ourselves; we have a life beyond the stage. When your family is secure, it’s much easier to express yourself creatively,” he said.
This initiative marks a significant step in fostering community development and economic sustainability. It offers artists the opportunity to engage in a viable business venture that supports their financial stability, thus allowing them to focus more on their creative expressions. By providing resources and support, ZFRPA not only helps musicians enhance their livelihoods but also contributes to the broader goals of food security and sustainable economic growth in Zimbabwe.
As the initiative progresses, ZFRPA plans to extend the programme to more musicians, particularly from the southern regions of the country, further expanding its impact. The hope is that more artists will be inspired to engage in similar empowerment projects, enriching the nation’s creative landscape while strengthening its economic foundations.
