Introduction
Padenga Agribusiness Private Limited operates a world-class Nile crocodile farming operation situated on the shores of Lake Kariba in north-western Zimbabwe. The consequences of over three decades of strategic capital investment, our infrastructure stands as a global benchmark for excellence and absolute best practice in crocodilian farming.
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Our continuous investment into new technologies, performing ongoing research, and making evidence-based decisions that optimize management systems, results in the Company having a distinct competitive edge in terms of the quality of skins it produces.
WHY CROCODILES?
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We offer a rare material prized for its durability. We deliver premium skins through ethical farming practices, sustainable stewardship, and responsible sourcing. Prestigious products manufactured from our skins remain a timeless investment.
WHY KARIBA?
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Kariba’s expansive water resources and consistent heat provide the ultimate environment for crocodile farming. By leveraging proximity to wild populations, we successfully balance commercial production with vital species conservation.
WHY SKIN TRACEABILITY?
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We maintain a fully traceable chain of custody through ethical transparency in line with CITES provisions. We utilise RFID technology to monitor the lifecycle of individual skins, ensuring a responsibly managed and verifiable supply chain.
Our Farm Operations
Our crocodile farm is situated on the shores of Lake Kariba in the north-west of Zimbabwe, following the integration of two separate, but contiguous farms into a single production unit for greater efficiencies and cost management.
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We maintain a highly optimized infrastructure with the capacity to produce around 25,000 premium quality skins annually, designed for maximum operational efficiency and excellence. Capacity can be increased to 30,000 skins annually with no additional capital investment. The farm’s operations are supported by core service departments that ensure seamless production and administrative integrity:
• PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OVERSIGHT: Abattoir, Quality Assurance, and Technical Services.
• SCIENCE AND INNOVATION: Research and Development
• BUSINESS SUPPORT: Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Procurement
Central to our operational ethos is a steadfast commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare and biosecurity. Our husbandry practices are rooted in evidence-based research, focusing on low-stress environments and precision nutrition. To safeguard the health of our stock, we adhere to stringent biosecurity protocols and prioritise the biological needs and well-being of the animals. Our position as an industry leader is reinforced by our ability to produce unrivaled skin quality whilst adhering to ethical and responsible farming practices.
The farm employs a high degree of technology, including real-time source data capture. This data is processed by a dedicated team of Data Analysts, allowing for the evidence-based decision-making practiced by management. A comprehensive quality management system is also adhered to across the operations. Standard operating procedures (SOP’s) govern all routine operational activities and any deviations to those are identified and formally addressed creating a continuous feedback loop designed to facilitate continuous improvement and optimization of processes for excellence.
KARIBA FARM
Kariba Farm
Kariba Crocodile Farm (KCF) was established in 1965, and is the oldest crocodile farm in Zimbabwe. It serves as Padenga’s mother farm, housing the Technical Department as well as Padenga’s abattoir. The farm is situated on land leased from the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (PWLMA). A considerable amount of physical restructuring was done at KCF to replace the early crocodile pens which were unsuitable for commercial production. Very little of the original pen infrastructure remains other than a small section of breeder pens. The new pen structures at KCF allow for the production of around 15,300 skins per annum. KCF employs approximately 150 employees with around 50% of those in a permanent capacity. A portion of the critical services staff live on the farm whilst the majority occupy off farm housing in the nearby Kariba townships. A staff bus delivers employees to work daily.
NYANYANA FARM
Nyanyana Farm
Nyanyana Crocodile Farm (NCF) is situated contiguous to KCF, and therefore is also on land leased from PWLMA. This farm, constructed over a seven-year period beginning in 2005, reflects the pinnacle of Padenga’s knowledge in the construction of a dedicated crocodile farm. Four electronically controlled incubators situated on NCF handle all wild and domestic eggs collected annually and perform this critical function on behalf of the other farms. In providing this service, NCF conforms to the ranching model embraced by CITES whereby the sustainable harvesting of wild eggs plays an important role in the conservation of the Nile crocodile. NCF, together with KCF, has dedicated custom built hatchling facilities that accommodate all the hatchlings produced for a maximum of nine months before they are moved to grower pens. The hatchling facilities employ sophisticated computer driven control systems by which heated water is used to automatically maintain the temperature in the hatchling pens at 32oC to promote maximum growth. NCF employs approximately the same number of employees as at KCF and also has the capacity to deliver up to 15,300 skins on an annual basis. NCF accommodates a 1,2MW grid-tied solar plant which is scheduled for expansion over the next decade until the northern farms (KCF and NCF) are fully operating on renewable energy.
