A Dynamic Entrepreneur Turned Her Passion For Farming Into A Thriving Business

By Own Correspondent

UMGUZA – In a world where traditional gender roles often dictate career paths, a Bulawayo woman is breaking barriers and redefining success in the agricultural sector.

Victoria Muchenje, is one such a dynamic entrepreneur who has turned her passion for farming into a thriving business, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.

From humble beginnings, she transformed her dream into a thriving enterprise.

This is the inspiring story of how Muchenje, a mother of three, overcame challenges, embraced her entrepreneurial spirit, and became a beacon of hope for aspiring female farmers.

Muchenje, who holds a degree in Business and Marketing Management from a local university, grew up in Bulawayo and completed her secondary education at Townsend Girls High School in 2005.
She later joined the corporate world but she was determined to run her own business, inspired by her late father, Anthony Lunga.

Her father had been an agro business advisor to several white commercial farmers in Chegutu, Mashonaland West, in the 1980s and 1990s when agriculture was on its peak in Zimbabwe.

“I was born into a family of six girls, but our late father worked in the agro sector as a salesman and advisor at Farmers Coop. During his spare time, he always shared inspiring stories about commercial farmers who started from zero. We were girls, but our father encouraged us to pursue roles that were typically male-dominated.

“He always told me how farming can transform people’s lives if it’s taken seriously as a business,” Muchenje explained.

With her father’s inspiration and support from her husband David, Muchenje saved up and purchased a three-acre plot in Kensington, Umguza district in Matabeleland North.

Using their savings from previous employment, she started a horticulture project on the land and later enrolled with the Pig Industry Board (PIB), where she received mentorship in piggery.

“After we acquired the plot from our little savings, I ventured into horticulture since it wasn’t capital-intensive.

“With my successful harvests, I used the profits to develop infrastructure before I later enrolled with Pig Industry Board (PIB), where they mentored me,” she explained.

Muchenje added,” After the training, I managed to acquire a few pigs, which later multiplied into larger numbers.

“Initially, it was challenging to deal with pigs because they require the highest hygiene standards, but with the skills I gained, I learned to manage well.”

With rigorous training and the right breeds, Muchenje steadily expanded her operation.
From a modest beginning with less than five pigs, Muchenje expanded to produce around 400 pigs annually.

This achievement has marked her as a successful model of a small-scale pig farmer.
“I was able to scale my farm’s production with an emphasis on health and diet regimen,” she explained.

Muchenje’s pivot to direct-to-customer sales significantly boosted her business. “Before, I mostly sold to local markets and wholesalers, which offered small margins. With a new website and direct-sales approach, I saw a 40% increase in profit margins,” she said.

Her yearly revenue has consistently grown, with demand for her sustainably raised pork surging.
In the process, Muchenje has managed to recruit four locals including two women who work in the pigsties and fields.

“We started with four pigs only and gradually we expanded buying more breeds.
“Pig production is a worthwhile livestock farming venture in Zimbabwe. If you come to me and ask for recommendations in livestock farming, I would suggest pig production.

“Pigs can reproduce twice a year which means good prospects.

“A sow (female pig) can wean at least 10 healthy piglets per birth. Let us suppose you start with just two sows.

“By the end of one year, you will have at least 40 more pigs,” she explained during the tour of her project.

However, her journey to success wasn’t without challenges but she explained how she managed to tackle some of the obstacles.
Limited access to resources, land, financing, and technical support—remains a common hurdle for women in agriculture, including Muchenje.
To overcome this, she has managed to invest and save profits generated from the horticulture project.
The technical aspects of pig farming can be overwhelming, especially for those without an agricultural background but Muchenje sought continuous learning, attending training programmes and workshops on pig husbandry, biosecurity, and sustainable farming.

“By investing time in education and networking with experts, I gained the knowledge needed to manage my farm effectively and make informed decisions,” she shared.
Muchenje also explained how establishing a reliable market for her products posed another challenge at first.

Initially, Muchenje struggled to find buyers for her pigs, but she utilised social media and local farmers’ markets to promote her business.

“By building a strong online presence and connecting with local restaurants and supermarkets, I managed to create a loyal customer base that values quality and sustainability,” she added.
Maintaining herd health is crucial in pig farming, yet disease outbreaks pose significant risks but Muchenje tackled this by implementing robust biosecurity measures.

“I established partnerships with local veterinarians to monitor my herd’s health and respond quickly to any health issues,” she explained.

As a woman entrepreneur, she frequently juggles multiple roles—family obligations and farm management.

“By involving my family in the farm operations and creating a supportive network of fellow women farmers, I found ways to share the workload and maintain a healthy work-life balance,” she noted.
Her journey has taught her resilience and adaptability in the world of farming.

“The agricultural landscape is constantly changing. I face challenges like fluctuating market prices and climate-related issues.

“By staying informed about industry trends and pivoting my strategies when needed, I have managed to grow my business,” Muchenje said.
Her journey represents innovation, hard work, and resilience.

Muchenje`s success is not measured solely by profits but also by the positive impact she has brought to her community including creating employment for the locals.

She also introduced sustainable, environmentally friendly farming practices that improved local standards, creating a ripple effect that encouraged other farmers to adopt similar practices.
Her business continues to thrive, driven by innovative thinking and a commitment to doing things differently.

“My piggery project became more than a business, it became a story of hope, resilience, and the power of thinking outside the box,” she narrated.
The recognition of her efforts grew as well. Recently, Muchenje was selected by the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) to participate in training for businesswomen, placing her in the top 100 women in business chosen for advanced training.

“AWE’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship has profoundly impacted my life. The financial literacy and business planning workshops equipped me with the tools to manage my finances and build a solid business plan.

“By providing women with essential skills, AWE is breaking down barriers and building an inclusive business environment,” she appreciated.
With every milestone, her piggery project has set benchmarks for responsible, successful farming in her region.

Muchenje`s achievements continue to inspire women in agriculture and uplift her community both economically and environmentally.
“Implementing effective waste management practices, such as composting pig manure for organic fertilizer contributes to a more sustainable agricultural model,” she said.

Muchenje is also exploring water-saving technologies, including rainwater harvesting and recycling, to minimize farm water usage.
“Ensuring that pigs have access to clean water while minimising waste is vital for animal welfare and sustainability,” she explained.

Moreover, she has embraced technology, utilising data analytics for monitoring pig health, growth, and feeding schedules.

Looking into the future, the upcoming farmer plans to expand production capacity and introduce resilient pig breeds to meet the demand for high-quality pork.

“We have many breeds such as Duroc which is highly adaptable to both extremely cold and extremely hot weather. They grow to a considerably good size and are great ham production. They are resistant to diseases and easy to rear.

“Their mature weight ranges from 200 to 340 kilogrammes. Duroc pigs can give birth to litter sizes ranging to as many as 15 piglets.
“We have others such as Hereford (also known as Hereford Hog), American Yorkshire, Berkshire, and Large Black.

“There is also Hampshire which I recommend for those who are just starting pig production.
“They are suitable for producing high-quality meat. They produce the leanest meat of all pig breeds. Litter sizes range from 12 to 13 piglets. They can grow to around 300 or so kilogrammes,” she said.
By scaling up her operations, Muchenje hopes to create more job opportunities within her community and contribute to local economic growth.

Her vision includes adopting more eco-friendly practices, like integrating solar and wind power, to further enhance her farm’s sustainability.
Muchenje said she is passionate about empowering women in agriculture, aiming to establish training programmes focused on pig farming.

“By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire and equip other women to succeed. My goal is to create a network where women can collaborate and support each other,” she said.

As a woman making strides in piggery, Muchenje also aspires to advocate for gender equality in agriculture.

“By sharing my story, I hope to encourage policy changes that support women farmers and foster inclusivity in agriculture,” she said.

Muchenje said her journey is a powerful reminder of what’s possible.

“Through determination, resourcefulness, and a commitment to continuous improvement, anyone can break barriers and help lift communities out of poverty,” she said

Remious Remigio,27, expressed his gratitude for Muchenge’s beneficial piggery project, noting that it has provided him with employment and valuable learning opportunities.

“I am thankful to Mrs. Muchenje and her husband for including me in this project. Not only has it given me a job, but it’s also helping me gain hands-on experience. In the future, when everything is in place, I plan to start my own piggery,” he said.
Kerina Sibanda, who works both in the field and the piggery project, spoke of the project’s positive impact on her life. Thanks to her income, she is now able to support her family.
“I’m grateful to be employed here. I’m also

acquiring knowledge that I can pass down to future generations,” she said.