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Matabeleland South farmers return to fields
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Farmers in Matabeleland South province have taken advantage of above-average rains to cultivate 80% of the arable land in the region, following a severe drought that had devastating effects on livestock and crop production.
The recent wet spell, which began in December, has brought renewed hope to farmers in the region, who rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture.
Matabeleland South provincial Agritex officer Shupikai Sibanda confirmed significant farming activity across the province.
"Over 80% of the cropping area of Matabeleland South is planted. The current rains are a relief since we are coming out of a distressing El Niño-induced drought," Sibanda said.
Farmers have been encouraged to plant fodder crops such as velvet beans, lablab, and sugar beans to bolster livestock feed and food security.
The preceding drought led to the death of thousands of livestock, including donkeys traditionally used for tilling. Many farmers have now turned to zero or mechanical tillage, with some hiring tractors or donkeys from neighbors who managed to protect their animals during the dry spell.
"We lost cattle and donkeys used as draught power, and we are hiring tractors," said Lutendo Sibanda, a farmer from Msane in Beitbridge West. "There is massive movement on the fields, and villagers hope to recover from losses induced by the drought."
The El Niño-induced drought hit Matabeleland South hardest, with 30% of households reporting livestock losses. Over 10,000 cattle died due to the immense heat and poor pastures.
According to the 2024 Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee Rural Livelihoods Assessment report, Matabeleland South recorded the highest proportion of livestock deaths (30%), followed by Masvingo (28%) and Midlands (27%).
Farmers are optimistic that the current rains will continue, enabling them to recover from last year's losses and ensure a successful cropping season.
"We hope the rains will be with us," Sibanda said, reflecting the sentiment of many farmers in the region.
The wet spell has not only revived agricultural activity but has also brought hope for improved food security and economic stability in Matabeleland South.
The recent wet spell, which began in December, has brought renewed hope to farmers in the region, who rely heavily on rain-fed agriculture.
Matabeleland South provincial Agritex officer Shupikai Sibanda confirmed significant farming activity across the province.
"Over 80% of the cropping area of Matabeleland South is planted. The current rains are a relief since we are coming out of a distressing El Niño-induced drought," Sibanda said.
Farmers have been encouraged to plant fodder crops such as velvet beans, lablab, and sugar beans to bolster livestock feed and food security.
The preceding drought led to the death of thousands of livestock, including donkeys traditionally used for tilling. Many farmers have now turned to zero or mechanical tillage, with some hiring tractors or donkeys from neighbors who managed to protect their animals during the dry spell.
"We lost cattle and donkeys used as draught power, and we are hiring tractors," said Lutendo Sibanda, a farmer from Msane in Beitbridge West. "There is massive movement on the fields, and villagers hope to recover from losses induced by the drought."
The El Niño-induced drought hit Matabeleland South hardest, with 30% of households reporting livestock losses. Over 10,000 cattle died due to the immense heat and poor pastures.
According to the 2024 Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee Rural Livelihoods Assessment report, Matabeleland South recorded the highest proportion of livestock deaths (30%), followed by Masvingo (28%) and Midlands (27%).
Farmers are optimistic that the current rains will continue, enabling them to recover from last year's losses and ensure a successful cropping season.
"We hope the rains will be with us," Sibanda said, reflecting the sentiment of many farmers in the region.
The wet spell has not only revived agricultural activity but has also brought hope for improved food security and economic stability in Matabeleland South.
Source - newsday
