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Tough times for omalayitsha
2 hrs ago |
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Families in Matabeleland who have long depended on informal cross-border transporters, commonly known as omalayitsha, are facing economic hardships as their incomes dwindle, a new report warns.
Omalayitsha, who transport goods and groceries from South Africa and Botswana, have historically been a vital lifeline for households in the southern region. However, the latest Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FewsNet) report highlights a decline in their numbers and warns that tougher times lie ahead.
"Key informants indicate an atypically low number of informal cross-border transporters from South Africa and Botswana," the report states. "Remittances in southern areas have declined over the past months, impacting households that rely on these transfers for food and income."
The report, titled Increased market dependence likely in deficit areas as stocks start to deplete, noted that while money transfer services have expanded, overall remittances remain low, reducing access to food and essential goods.
Petty trade has increased in both urban and rural areas of Matabeleland, driving competition and constraining household incomes further. "The high number of households engaging in petty trade is driving increased competition and resulting in overall constrained household income from this source," FewsNet said.
Adding to the economic strain is a decline in cattle production, a key pillar of Matabeleland's livestock-driven economy. Herd sizes remain below average after successive droughts, with limited distress sales compared to previous years. Government statistics show that the Matabeleland South cattle herd now stands just above 630 000, following a loss of 19 000 animals last year due to drought.
"Some households are considering shifting to small livestock production only, given the high vulnerability of cattle to drought," the report noted.
The combination of declining omalayitsha remittances, reduced livestock outputs, and increased competition in petty trade is leaving many southern households in a precarious situation, underscoring the urgent need for interventions to support food security and income generation in the region.
Omalayitsha, who transport goods and groceries from South Africa and Botswana, have historically been a vital lifeline for households in the southern region. However, the latest Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FewsNet) report highlights a decline in their numbers and warns that tougher times lie ahead.
"Key informants indicate an atypically low number of informal cross-border transporters from South Africa and Botswana," the report states. "Remittances in southern areas have declined over the past months, impacting households that rely on these transfers for food and income."
The report, titled Increased market dependence likely in deficit areas as stocks start to deplete, noted that while money transfer services have expanded, overall remittances remain low, reducing access to food and essential goods.
Petty trade has increased in both urban and rural areas of Matabeleland, driving competition and constraining household incomes further. "The high number of households engaging in petty trade is driving increased competition and resulting in overall constrained household income from this source," FewsNet said.
Adding to the economic strain is a decline in cattle production, a key pillar of Matabeleland's livestock-driven economy. Herd sizes remain below average after successive droughts, with limited distress sales compared to previous years. Government statistics show that the Matabeleland South cattle herd now stands just above 630 000, following a loss of 19 000 animals last year due to drought.
"Some households are considering shifting to small livestock production only, given the high vulnerability of cattle to drought," the report noted.
The combination of declining omalayitsha remittances, reduced livestock outputs, and increased competition in petty trade is leaving many southern households in a precarious situation, underscoring the urgent need for interventions to support food security and income generation in the region.
Source - southern eye
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