Villagers sell cattle for $50

Cattle owners in Masvingo province are selling their livestock for a little as $50.

This is due to crippling shortage of water, reduced pastures and high cost of stock feed.

Close to 45 000 cattle are affected.

According to Masvingo Beef Farmers' Association (MBFA),  Robert Makado,  all seven districts in Masvingo province have run out of pastures.

"About 45 000 cattle are under threat in the province due to the non-availability of pastures. Most rivers and weirs have dried up and most dams like Lake Mutirikwi are less than 15 percent in water level," said  Makado.

He added, "The price of stock survival feed is not affordable to many farmers. The $10 charged per 50kg of stockfeed is too high."

The price should be reduced to half or even $3, he said.