Livestock under threat

The government says 16 000 cattle have died so far owing to the depletion of pastures with government looking at more than US$200 million for livestock and wildlife support.

According to latest figures from government, 16 000 livestock deaths have been recorded so far with Masvingo province being the hardest hit at 6 000 cattle.

The deaths according to government have been attributed to outbreak of foot and mouth diseases in some affected areas which is also posing a threat to household incomes as prices have tumbled to unprecedented levels.

Besides livestock, wildlife has also been affected which escalates the conflicts over food and water with human beings, hence the need for 5 000 bales of hay for supplementary feeding of the translocated wildlife and a total of 20 boreholes for water supply which require servicing.

The government requires US$138 million for livestock support programme, US$53 million for livestock destocking programme and US$15 million for wildlife support programme.

The unavailability of drinking water has also affected farmers as 71 percent of the boreholes are malfunctioning.