Beitbridge livestock farmers turn to supplementary feeding as pastures dwindle

Thupeyo Muleya

Beitbridge Bureau

Livestock farmers across Beitbridge District have bemoaned the lack of pastures, which has seen many of them turning to supplementary feeding for their livestock.

Livestock production is one of the major sources of livelihood in Beitbridge.

It is estimated that Beitbridge has over 180 000 cattle, 250 000 goats, 150 000 sheep and 50 000 donkeys.

A farmer and businessman from Ha Goda area, Mr Beji Muleya said many farmers are struggling to buy stock feed as the effects of the El Nino-induced drought take their toll.

“The situation is devastating, it is draining our pockets and we worry that we will eventually end up with nothing to buy cattle feed. We have seen livestock deaths in some areas,” said Mr Muleya.

“We are praying for good rains this year. However, l also encourage fellow livestock farmers to do fodder planting because as it stands, even if we receive rains it might not be enough considering the number of livestock we have.”

Mr Oscar Managa Singo, a village head in Tshapfutshe said many cattle have died due to starvation.

He said livestock diseases are also more prevalent now as the underfed livestock is susceptible to illnesses.

“If we don’t receive rain soon, our pastures won’t reach maturity stage before next winter, and this will continue to affect our livestock,” he said.

Miss Remaketsi Mbedzi of Malala said the situation is bad for most farmers who are not able to raise funds for stock feed.

Mr Masauso Mawocha, the District Agricultural Officer, said help is on the way.

“So far, farmers have started getting stock feed from a local manufacturer through a program being run by First Mutual MicroFinance. We have received 30 tonnes to date and more feed is coming,” said Mr Mawocha.

Beitbridge West Member of Parliament, Cde Thusani Ndou said he is engaging the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development; the Matabeleland South Minister of State and Devolution Affairs, as well as non-governmental organisations to assist the community in feeding their livestock.