FAO Helping Reduce use of Antimicrobials in Broiler Value Chain in Zimbabwe

All around the world antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is on the rise in people, plants and animals leading to deaths from infections that cannot be treated even with the best medicines available.

In 2019, 5 million human infections were associated with bacterial antimicrobial resistance worldwide, including more than 1.2 million human deaths attributable to bacterial AMR. The burden was highest in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, with children below five years of age the most affected.

In Zimbabwe, the broiler value chain, basing on methods of production, pushed by high demand from the consumer for affordable poultry products, has been seen as a considerable user of antimicrobials.

To reduce antimicrobials use in the broiler value chain, FAO in Zimbabwe is working with extension officers from the Government’s Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) is collecting farm-level data on antimicrobials use (AMU) and develop an economic case for AMR within the broiler value chain while promoting good animal husbandry practices. This intervention is supporting poultry farmers in Mutare, Mutasa, Murehwa, Zvimba, Chegutu, Masvingo, Bulawayo, and Marondera.