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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected] 

OVER 3 500 cattle have died in Matabeleland South Province over the past four months due to severe drought conditions caused by the El Niño phenomenon which has led to widespread depletion of pastures across the region.

According to a report presented by the Department of Veterinary Services during a provincial drought meeting, Gwanda District recorded the highest number of deaths with 1 877 cattle, followed by Mangwe with 888 deaths. Beitbridge recorded the lowest number, with 39 cattle succumbing to drought-related conditions. Muddy dams have also become death traps for livestock, further exacerbating the crisis.

Matabeleland South provincial livestock officer, Mr Hatitye Muchemwa, urged farmers to adopt mitigation measures to safeguard their livestock, as half of the province’s 660 000 cattle population is at risk. Ongoing drought interventions include hay baling, borehole drilling, and livestock feed distribution. 

The 2023/2024 season was characterised by low rainfall resulting in poor regeneration of grazing and inadequate water inflows in dams and rivers. 

Mr Muchemwa said the province has about 660 000 cattle with almost half of that population at risk.

“Agritex is baling hay at Matobo National Park and the grass is being sent to critical areas. We have also engaged Zinwa to rationalise borehole drilling with critical areas being prioritised. We have also established a localised taskforce that is looking into the drought situation as a matter of urgency,” he said. 

Mr Muchemwa said they have since engaged farmers so that they increase fodder production in communal irrigation.

“We are also saying that those who haven’t done so must start producing fodder to sustain their herds. It is crucial to improve the supply of subsidised stockfeed as commercial feed is beyond the reach of farmers,” he said. 

Mr Muchemwa said farmers have been urged to take extra care of their animals. He said farmers must accompany their animals to the water points and monitor them whenever drinking water as they risk being stuck in muddy dams, which have become major causes of the death of animals. 

“Farmers must ensure that their animals get enough water during this time as water is the most important component of nutrition for animals. Poverty deaths can be reduced by ensuring that animals have access to adequate drinking water,” said Mr Muchemwa.

“Farmers are also urged to pen feed their animals to serve the little net energy that the animals will be having.”

Mr Muchemwa also emphasised the importance of long-term measures, including the production of fodder legumes and grasses on large tracts of arable land.

“We are saying a maximum of five plots under Pfumvudza/Intwasa should go towards producing household crops and the rest of the land around two hectares should go towards growing fodder legumes and grasses for animals,” he said. 

Mr Muchemwa said farmers should also allocate land for growing silage crops such as African peas, sorghum and maize to sustain livestock through the dry season.

Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu called on all stakeholders to collaborate to preserve the provincial cattle herd.

 “This situation requires everyone to be involved, from the village level right up to Government workers and developmental partners. If we don’t work together or do our part, this drought will ravage our most valuable resource and source of wealth as a province, which is our livestock,” she said. — @DubeMatutu