Livestock farmers bemoan delayed rains

Livestock farmers across Beitbridge district are voicing their concerns over the delayed start of the rainy season, which has disrupted grazing patterns and severely affected the health of their livestock. As the country grapples with shifting rainfall patterns linked to climate change, the situation in Beitbridge is becoming increasingly dire, particularly for farmers who depend on livestock production as a primary source of livelihood.

The area, home to over 180,000 cattle, 250,000 goats, 150,000 sheep, and 50,000 donkeys, is facing significant challenges due to a lack of natural pasture. Many farmers have been forced to rely on costly supplementary feeding to keep their animals alive, draining their financial resources. For some, the cost of purchasing stock feed has become unsustainable, with many unable to afford both animal feed and food for their families.

Mr. Beji Muleya, a farmer and businessman from Ward 15 in the Ha Goda area, described the situation as devastating, with farmers struggling to make ends meet. "The situation is devastating, it drains your pocket, and eventually, we will end up with nothing to buy cattle feed. Such a scenario leads to livestock deaths, leaving most farmers depressed," said Muleya. He urged his fellow farmers to consider planting fodder to mitigate the lack of grazing, emphasizing that even if rains do come, they may not be sufficient for the needs of the community's large cattle population.

The delayed rains have also led to an increase in livestock diseases, as animals, weakened by starvation, become more susceptible to illness. Mr. Oscar Managa Singo, a senior village head from Tshapfutshe in Ward 5, noted that many cattle had already died due to hunger. He warned that if rain does not arrive soon, the pastures may not mature in time for the next winter season, creating a long-lasting negative impact on livestock production.

"Without rain soon, and if it only comes in December, our pastures won’t reach a mature stage before next winter. If they don’t mature, our cattle won’t gain much mass, which will affect grazing conditions up to the next rainy season. It’s a chain reaction of disaster," explained Singo.

Female farmers, such as Miss Remaketsi Mbedzi from Malala in Ward 6, are among those most severely affected by the drought. Due to financial constraints, they are unable to afford the high cost of stock feed, exacerbating the already difficult situation.

Beitbridge West Member of Parliament, Cde Thusani Ndou, has begun engaging with government officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and the Minister of State for Matabeleland South, to seek assistance for the community. He stressed that the situation is critical and that urgent action is needed to alleviate the drought’s impact on farmers.

District Agricultural Officer Mr. Masauso Mawocha echoed this concern, describing the current situation as desperate. "Delayed rains hurt the rejuvenation of grazing lands, which naturally affects livestock production. We seriously need these rains," said Mawocha. However, some relief has come through the National Foods program, where farmers have begun receiving stock feed through First Mutual MicroFinance, with 30 tons already distributed and more expected.

Mrs. Kiliboni Mbedzi, a former Beitbridge district development coordinator, added that many cattle are now in poor condition, and selling them would yield low prices due to their lean state. In addition, stock feed prices in remote areas are unreasonably high, making it difficult for many farmers to access the necessary resources.

"We need rain as soon as yesterday to salvage the situation. At the same time, I urge those who can buy stock feed to do so, as this rainy season is not looking good at all," Mrs. Mbedzi advised.

As farmers in Beitbridge await much-needed rainfall, the community is hoping for a timely intervention to prevent further loss of livestock and to support the long-term recovery of grazing lands.