Crocodile farming on the recovery in Zimbabwe
By Delicious Mathuthu
Crocodile farming in Zimbabwe is on the recovery following an increase in egg production and skin exports, government has revealed.
This comes following a slump during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 with most farmers citing high cost of production and marketing challenges.
A Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Ministry 2022 crop, livestock and fisheries
assessment report
(CLAFA – 2) released earlier this year, 2023, shows that egg production for the water predator is on the increase while skin exports are gradually on the rise .
Last year, 2022, saw 18% increase in crocodile farm egg collection compared to the previous year, with a 72% incubation success rate.
“The total number of farm eggs collected in 2022 increased by 18.4% from 2021.
“The overall incubation success was similar (72.3%) to the previous year,” the reports states.
In 2021, total farmed crocodiles for the year were just over 91 200, a reduction by almost 21 800 crocodiles from 2020.
Like wise, the number of crocodile farmers also declined.
As the sector recovers, a gradual increase in crocodile skin exports has been noted after a drop from 83 000 in 2019 to 67 000 in 2020.
Export statistics for crocodile skins in 2021 show a 13 000 positive jump, clocking 80 000 from the previous year.
Though not popular among many Zimbabwean farmers who dread the reptile, crocodiles are bred for their meat, but mostly for skin exports to Europe focusing on leather luxury products.
Crocodile skin exports prior to the COVID-19 pandemic were reported to be worth close to US$30 million, Europe being the main market.
Crocodile skins are used for luxury handbags, boots and other accessories.
Crocodile farming requires massive investment with a profitable farm reported could take up to about five years to set up.
Kwedu Classics
Your story our story
