A Bulawayo-based farmer’s organisation, Matabeleland Goat Sheep Poultry Trust (MGSPT) is in the process of compiling a list of indigenous chicken breeders in the Matabeleland region with an aim of supplying a consortium of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as part of their poverty alleviation programme in remote areas.

MGSPT board secretary Mr Kindman Ndlovu said the organisation has entered into negotiations with the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) for the supply of 20 000 free range chickens for onward distribution to beneficiaries in selected districts in Matabeleland.

CRS spearheads the poultry project partnered by Caritas Internationalis, Pro Africa and Adventist Development and Relief Agency. “We are currently compiling a list of indigenous chicken farmers in and around Bulawayo so as to supply an initiative being carried out by CRS and its other NGO partners.

The programme is more of the same as the ones these NGOs facilitate, which entail assisting farmers in terms of ensuring seed availability and livestock restocking and for this particular one they intend having to ensure their beneficiaries restock through small stock in the form of indigenous chicken,” said Mr Ndlovu. -Source: Sunday News