Rains rekindle hope

The recent downgraded Cyclone Chido has brought much-needed relief to farmers in Zimbabwe's southern regions, rejuvenating crops, pastures, and water sources that had been under severe stress due to the dry spell. The cyclone, although weakened, delivered significant rainfall to parts of Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, Midlands, Masvingo, and Matabeleland North provinces, offering hope to farmers who had been struggling with soaring temperatures and dwindling water supplies.

The dry conditions had posed a serious threat to agriculture, with moisture stress affecting crops and threatening livestock deaths due to insufficient grazing and drying water sources. However, Cyclone Chido's arrival over the weekend provided a welcome change, particularly for farmers in areas like Bulawayo and Umguza District.

Mr. Obert Mlalazi, a farmer from the Redwood area of Umguza District, expressed his relief after the rains. "The first rains in November gave us some hope, but the last three weeks were tough with high temperatures and no rainfall. The current rains are a welcome relief, and our cattle will no longer have to walk long distances for water, and the pastures will improve, benefiting the general health of the animals," he said.

At Cement Siding, farm workers took advantage of the moisture to remove weeds from carrot fields, while neighbouring farmers began planting crops like maize and groundnuts. A farm worker identified only as Mr. Mpofu noted the challenges they faced before the rain arrived: "The fields were dry before the rains, and it was difficult to pull out weeds from the carrot field. Some of our neighbours have already started planting crops such as maize and groundnuts."

Urban farmers in Bulawayo's suburbs, including Mahatshula, Killarney, Magwegwe, Emganwini, Pumula, and Nketa, also took the opportunity to plant maize following the rains. Mr. Alwyne Mahamba, a farmer along the Bulawayo-Harare Road, shared his optimism: "We dug Intwasa holes last month, but the rains disappeared, so we couldn't plant. Now that the rains are back, we're planting maize, sweet potatoes, and beans."

In Matabeleland North, the Acting Provincial Director for the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services, Mr. Thulani Ndlovu, reported that 90 percent of the province had received rainfall, with totals ranging from 15mm to 40mm. However, parts of Binga and Hwange remain dry and hot. He encouraged farmers who had not yet planted to opt for short-season crops, such as traditional grains, sweet potatoes, sunflower, and sugar beans, to ensure harvests by March.

"We also expect the body conditions of livestock to improve due to improved pastures and easily accessible water in rivers, streams, and dams," Mr. Ndlovu said, adding that no crop losses had been reported due to moisture stress.

The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) reported that Cyclone Chido's intensity had diminished as it moved inland, with friction reducing wind speeds and rainfall. However, the Civil Protection Unit's Director, Mr. Nathan Nkomo, expects moderate rainfall ranging from 30mm to 80mm across much of the country, as moisture from the cyclone interacts with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which typically brings rain to Zimbabwe in mid-December.

With the rains expected to continue in the coming days, farmers and livestock owners across Zimbabwe's southern regions remain hopeful for further improvements in crop yields and livestock conditions.