Although Lupane is in a cattle rearing area with an abundant population of over 107,000 cattle, farmers were not fully benefiting from cattle rearing due to significant challenges in selling their livestock.

The main cattle market in Bulawayo city is 200km away, resulting in high transportation costs of up to US$50 per animal.

Additionally, farmers incurred more costs in their subsistence expenses or risk losing proceeds from cattle sales if they used middlemen.

Furthermore, local councils faced difficulties in collecting levies from middlemen and traders, limiting livelihood options and employment opportunities. Farmers also lacked knowledge about livestock clearance, grading, and pricing.

Through a partnership with a private player, the community successfully established a Grade B abattoir with equal share ownership.

Today, Jotsholo Abattoir processes approximately 600 cattle per month, serving not only Lupane and Bulawayo, but also neighboring districts such as Binga, Bubi, Hwange, Nkayi, Tsholotsho, and Umguza.

The intervention brought about a transformation that revitalized the community. A local cattle market was established, reducing transportation fees by 70% or even eliminating them entirely.

Farmers located along main roads no longer pay any fees, while those within the Lupane district incur a flat fee of $15.

The abattoir's truck now travels throughout the district, collecting cattle for slaughter. As a result, farmers receive 100% payment, promoting financial stability.

Additionally, farmers have gained valuable knowledge and skills in livestock clearance, grading, and pricing, empowering them to make informed decisions.

The intervention has improved compliance with council levies, benefiting local authorities and promoting a sustainable system.

The strengthened Community Trust now receives a 10% slaughter fee payment, ensuring ongoing support for community projects in the Lupane district.

The establishment of Jotsholo Abbatoir was facilitated by the Sizimele Consortium of the Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund (ZRBF).

ZRBF was created when the European Union, United Kingdom, Sweden, and UNDP combined a fund of $105 million to support resilience building initiatives in vulnerable households.