Zimbabwean partners of the Livestock Production Systems (LIPS-Zim) project have adopted innovation and communication platforms (ICPs) and innovation platforms (IPs) as key approaches of increasing adoption of livestock innovations by farmers and communities in the semi-arid regions of the country.

Small-scale farmers drive Zimbabwe's agriculture, which in turn drives the country’s economy. The livelihoods of more than half of the 15 million citizens depend on agriculture but productivity is generally low due to climate change, input shortages and limited knowledge of good agricultural practices.

Crop farming and livestock production are the major sources of livelihood for smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. Most farm animals are reared in low rainfall areas where more than 75% of farmers rely on cereal crop residues as feed supplements.