9 000 live-stock deaths in five months

Zimbabwe has experienced a devastating loss of over 9,000 livestock between June and October this year, primarily due to the harsh effects of El Niño-induced drought conditions. The drought has left many parts of the country grappling with dwindling pastures and inadequate water sources, especially in Matabeleland South and Masvingo provinces, which have been the hardest hit.

According to official statistics, a total of 9,263 livestock deaths were recorded across the country, with Matabeleland South suffering the highest loss of 3,699 animals. Masvingo followed closely with 2,664 deaths, while Matabeleland North reported 2,087 losses. Midlands, Mashonaland Central, and Mashonaland West recorded significantly lower figures, with 707, 55, and 51 livestock deaths, respectively.

The prolonged dry spell, exacerbated by the effects of El Niño, has left farmers struggling to maintain their herds as pastures have become sparse and watering points scarce. However, with the arrival of the rainy season, there is hope that the situation will improve. Meteorological forecasts predict a normal to above-normal rainfall season, which is expected to bring much-needed relief to farmers and their livestock.

In response to the crisis, the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, has rolled out a series of drought mitigation measures aimed at providing immediate relief to affected farmers. Professor Obert Jiri, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, announced that a significant amount of maize silage and wheat straw is being distributed to distressed wards across the country as part of the Drought Mitigation Programming for 2024.

"9,665 metric tonnes of maize silage out of the targeted 15,000 metric tonnes have been distributed to drought-stricken wards, and 147 metric tonnes of wheat straw are also being provided to critical areas," Prof. Jiri said. "As a result of these efforts, 107,388 cattle have been saved during the past one-and-a-half months of feeding maize silage."

The government has also identified 635 wards to establish drought mitigation centers, with funds already released for this initiative. However, some critical infrastructure, such as watering and drinking troughs, and cattle holding pens, are still under development.

In addition to these efforts, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has distributed 1,500 metric tonnes of survival feed to farmers in Buhera, Chipinge, and Bikita districts. Another organization, Amalima Loko, has provided 549.35 metric tonnes of subsidized feed to farmers in Matabeleland at a reduced price.

"FAO has also contributed to the construction of watering and feeding troughs, and under the Smallholder Agriculture Cluster Project (SACP), we have conducted 74 capacity tests for boreholes, with 51 successful and 23 failures," Prof. Jiri added.

In terms of feed distribution, Matabeleland South received 1,392.56 metric tonnes of maize silage, benefiting 22,647 animals across various districts, while Matabeleland North received 852.69 metric tonnes to support 14,209 animals. This intervention is expected to last for approximately 30 days for each ward.

Despite these efforts, the arrival of rain is seen as the most immediate source of relief for farmers. With the rains now falling across most parts of the country, there is hope that pastures will begin to regenerate, providing much-needed grazing areas for livestock. The Meteorological Services Department's prediction of a normal to above-normal rainfall season is a positive sign for farmers who have been battling drought-induced hardships.

Farmers across Zimbabwe are eagerly awaiting the long-term benefits of these rains, which are expected to improve water availability and pasture growth, offering a reprieve to the national herd and contributing to the recovery of the livestock sector.