'Refrain from farming on Wednesdays and honour cultural customs'

Traditionalists have called on citizens to embrace cultural farming practices to mitigate the effects of the ongoing heatwave, which has severely impacted crops and livestock in parts of the country.

The extreme temperatures, persisting through day and night, are particularly challenging for early-season farmers, with many reporting significant crop wilting.

In line with African cultural traditions, which often intertwine spiritual beliefs with agricultural activities, the group known as Amalinda has urged farmers to adhere to specific practices, including refraining from working the fields on Wednesdays.

Observing the Traditions

"We are pleading with people not to go to the farms on Wednesdays. Look at the sky; it's becoming dry. Amalinda is requesting that you avoid going to the fields on Wednesday," read a statement from the group circulated on social media.

This practice, rooted in cultural spirituality, aligns with the belief that certain days are sacred and should be observed for rest and reflection to ensure harmony with nature.

Amalinda also advised farmers on dealing with livestock losses caused by the drought. "Gather the bones, put them in one place, and bury them. Most livestock died this year, so you should bury those bones so that they are not visible," the group urged.

Guidelines for the Community

The traditionalists further emphasized other cultural practices:

Trees struck by lightning: "Gather them as well, but don't burn them yet."

Drum-beating: "Do not beat drums now. Beating drums will start from March up until September. We are pleading with people to follow the cultural ways so that everything goes well."

Divided Opinions

While some citizens have embraced the guidance, others, particularly members of open-air churches, have raised concerns. Drum-beating is integral to many religious services, and the cessation of this practice could disrupt worship activities.

One resident remarked, "Our churches rely on drums for worship. This guidance conflicts with our practices, but we understand the importance of working together for the common good."

Amalinda, however, remains firm in their plea, emphasizing that observing these cultural practices is essential to fostering environmental balance and reducing further harm caused by the heatwave.

As temperatures continue to rise, the nation grapples with blending traditional wisdom and modern practices to sustain its agricultural and communal well-being.