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Fungai Lupande-Mashonaland Central Bureau
Presidential inputs aimed at ensuring food security at household level went to waste in some villages in Rushinga along the border with Mozambique, after a large herd of elephants destroyed maize, sorghum and other crops.
The affected villages include Nyabau, Hangayangu and Mukosa.
Rushinga district has not reported any deaths or injuries to people from the elephant attacks.
Ms Rhodas Mangawa from Nyabau village said the community tried to move and establish homes far away from the elephant territory to no avail.
“We are tired of moving and most of the villagers have stopped farming. We are surviving by eating baobab fruits. We watch helplessly as our crops are grazed to the ground,” she said.
“This is a tough and stressful life. We prepare the land, plant and weed only for the crops to be destroyed by wild animals grazing all the crops.”
Ms Zvawo Chipinga from Hangayangu said the community was always up at night in fear of the elephants.
“We are not expecting anything from the fields,” she said.
Rushinga Rural District Council (RDC) chief executive Mr Kudakwashe Jonasi said the problems caused by the elephants had escalated.
He said the villages are in the animal corridor from Mozambique, as wild animals usually pass through the Nyatanda area.
Online Reporter