admin
Ashton Mutyavaviri
Zimbabweans in the diaspora, especially those who come from arid regions, have been urged to invest in water infrastructure development and pasture establishment or feed production to address perennial challenges of deaths among livestock.
The call comes on the backdrop of rising numbers of cattle succumbing to hunger in the country’s dry regions following the delayed onset of the rainy season. Seasonal weather forecasts have since hinted at the possibility of a drought inspired by El Nino weather.
In a recent interview, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri urged diasporans, especially those hailing from the country’s arid regions, to invest in feed and water provisions for their livestock.
“We encourage farmers, particularly in Gwanda and Matopo to drill boreholes because some of them work in South Africa and are actually people of means,” said Prof Jiri.
Masvingo, Mbire, Lower Chipinge, Matopo, Nkayi, Tsholotsho, Gwanda, Beitbridge and some parts of Gokwe are among the hardest-hit.
He challenged farmers with financial resources to drill boreholes with Government assisting with siting.
Prof Jiri said livestock farmers must provide enough water and feeds for their livestock during this difficult period, adding that Government had facilitated the delivery of water bowsers and hay bales to relieve farmers particularly in Matabeleland North and South.
Added Prof Jiri: “It is the responsibility of farmers to look out for their cattle and realise that they need to find water, feed, hay bales for them while encouraging others to follow suit.”
He challenged farmers to be innovative and roll out initiatives to avert a possible disaster.
“We encourage farmers not to work alone but to allow cooperative efforts to ensure the situation does not deteriorate to critical levels before calling for help.”
The effects of climate change and the El Nino phenomenon are becoming visible on both crops and livestock, he said.
He advised farmers to adopt measures that climate-proof production for the present and into the future.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) has also been drilling boreholes in the affected areas to lessen the challenge, he added.
“We are at the peak of the El Nino weather phenomenon where there are literally no rains with high temperatures and steep feed shortages. Pfumvudza/Intwasa and irrigation development meant for cereal production as well as pasture production for livestock remain our best foot forward as we move to transform the Zimbabwe agricultural sector,” he explained.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter