Vimbai Dzingirai, a 32-year-old crocodile farmer based in Harare, is making waves in Zimbabwe's agricultural scene as the country's first female entrepreneur in the crocodile farming industry. Her companies, Vimbai's Crocodylidae Products, Tanning and Taxidermy, and Vimbai's Organic Poultry and Crocodile Meat Supplies, have become synonymous with her passion for these reptiles.
Each morning, Dzingirai starts her day by carefully maintaining the cleanliness of the crocodile ponds, ensuring that dirty water is flushed out and replaced with fresh water. Despite the formidable nature of Nile crocodiles housed in the pools, she has developed a deep understanding of their behavior and has learned to maintain their hygiene without provoking their temper.
In an interview with The NewsHawks, Dzingirai shared her experiences, stating, "Depending on their moods, they can be very territorial and aggressive if you enter their space and get too close on certain days. But they also recognize familiar scents, and any foreign scent can trigger their defensive instincts. There have been instances when certain crocodiles were not in the mood to move while I was cleaning their pond. If provoked, they can growl, hiss, or bellow to assert their territorial dominance."
Dzingirai's journey to becoming Zimbabwe's first crocodile farmer has been marked by resilience and determination. In an industry still predominantly dominated by men, she has broken barriers and paved the way for other women. Her exceptional achievements have earned her recognition, including being crowned Female Farmer of the Year and securing the Runner-Up position in the Piggery category.
Despite her focus on crocodile farming, Dzingirai also finds time to pursue her education and participate in leadership programs. She was selected for the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Centre program and, earlier this year, attended the International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) for Social Entrepreneurship in the United States.
Dzingirai is not only driven by profit but also by her commitment to social initiatives. She prioritizes her employees, providing them with reasonable salaries and ensuring their well-being. Additionally, she dedicates her energy and resources to support disenfranchised groups within her community.
While the crocodile farming community in Zimbabwe is relatively small and information sharing can be challenging, Dzingirai remains undeterred. She acknowledges the need for more support structures and associations in the industry, especially for black-owned ventures like hers.
One of the obstacles Dzingirai faces is the limited number of tanneries and processing plants in Zimbabwe, which hinders value addition and the production of processed crocodile products. However, she remains steadfast in her mission to improve the local industry and meet the growing demand for high-quality crocodile products.
Vimbai Dzingirai's remarkable journey as Zimbabwe's pioneering female crocodile farmer serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. Through her perseverance, she challenges traditional norms, encourages gender equity, and contributes to the country's economic growth. Her dedication and unwavering spirit continue to redefine success in the agricultural sector, leaving a lasting impact on Zimbabwe's farming landscape.
