Matebeleland farmers raise concern over water logging

FARMERS in the Matebeleland region say they are facing the prospect of poor harvests this season after incessant rains caused widespread waterlogging in their fields, damaging crops and dampening hopes of recovery.

Several farmers reported that crops have begun turning yellow as a result of excessive leaching, a sign that nutrients have been washed out of the soil due to prolonged saturation.

Matebeleland South Senator Solani Moyo said the situation has left many farmers despondent, with large portions of their fields submerged by water. He said expectations of a meaningful crop recovery are fading as the rains persist.

"Our crops have been waterlogged and we no longer have hope that they will recover from this situation," Moyo said. "Our hope is now placed upon our livestock. We know they will survive from hunger this year. It is better to suffer from hunger while there is water than to experience water scarcity for our livelihoods."

In Tsholotsho's Siphepha area, farmer Anele Ncube said efforts are now focused on finding ways to salvage what remains of the crop. He said farmers are seeking top-dressing fertilisers to counter the effects of waterlogging.

"We are looking for top-dressing fertiliser, particularly ammonium nitrate or urea. We think this will cure our crops," Ncube said.

Agriculture Rural Development and Advisory Services chief director Meldlinah Magwenzi acknowledged that excessive rainfall poses serious challenges to crop production, explaining that waterlogging weakens crops and stunts growth due to poor soil aeration and reduced nutrient uptake.

She said the negative effects of waterlogging can be mitigated through improved drainage systems that help channel excess water away from fields. These include the construction of contour ridges, subsurface drains or open plough-made ditches.

Magwenzi added that farmers can also make use of the natural slope of their fields to promote effective runoff, while guiding water flow through piping where necessary.

She further highlighted Pfumvudza/Intwasa, also known as conservation agriculture, as a sustainable intervention that can help address waterlogging challenges. She said the mulch used in the system eventually decomposes into manure or compost, improving soil structure, porosity and aeration.

"This allows water to infiltrate and helps break up compacted soil for better drainage," Magwenzi said.

She also urged farmers to consider raising planting beds so that crops sit on top of ridges, exposing roots to better aeration and reducing the risk of prolonged water exposure.

Magwenzi emphasised the importance of adhering to good agronomic practices, including paying close attention to weather forecasts. She said early or dry planting, done before the onset of rains, can help crops establish strong root systems before flooding occurs, thereby minimising potential damage.