The Zimbabwean ostrich industry is likely to be one of the few areas of the economy to benefit from the country’s foot and mouth epidemic. The disease has been spread quickly through the country by the recent wave of farm invasions that have resulted in the chaotic movement of livestock. Now consumers are turning to ostrich meat as a substitute for beef.

According to Mac Crawford, head of the commercial farmers union in Matabeleland, ostrich meat is proving popular thanks to the outbreak of foot and mouth disease and because it costs less than beef.

In the last year, 23.4 tonnes of ostrich meat and skins were sold in the domestic and international market, earning Z$169.7 million ($3 million). The figures look set to rise sharply for next year.

One company that is exploiting the market is PT Royal Ostrindo, based in Bulawayo. The company supplies ostrich leather and meat to Europe directly by harmonising standards and procedures with European Union regulations and hopes to earn $250 million from exports this year.

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