Online Reporter
Judith Phiri [email protected]
LIVESTOCK farmers have welcomed the Zimbabwe Feed and Fodder Dashboard, a digital platform designed to improve access to livestock feed, support informed planning and strengthen climate resilience across the livestock sector.
The platform was developed under a programme supported by the African union and the African union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) to address persistent challenges related to livestock feed shortages and limited access to reliable sector information.
The dashboard was officially handed over to the Government last month.
In an interview, livestock specialist and farmer Mr Mhlupheki Dube said the platform would play a critical role in supporting both livestock farmers and feed manufacturers.
“Indications are that the next rainfall season will be another El Niño phenomenon and in this part of the world, it means drought. This therefore calls for very deliberate and intentional preparations regarding livestock feed and fodder availability to avert calamitous livestock poverty deaths,” he said.
“Reminding ourselves that the Government is looking at growing the livestock herd from the current 5,5 million to about 12 million in a few years ahead, hence the need to have a national feed and fodder dashboard platform to provide real-time and up-to-date status regarding feed and fodder for livestock.”
Mr Dube said the platform would facilitate timely and accurate planning by providing real-time information on feed and fodder availability. He added that it could also help farmers identify sources of fodder seed, a product that is often difficult to access through conventional seed suppliers.
He said the dashboard could further provide technical guidance on fodder production and preservation, helping farmers improve feed security and livestock management practices.
“This platform will be essential in aiding preparation, preparedness and climate resilience for livestock farmers. Zimbabwe has vast potential in summer, winter, and perennial grasses, as well as fodder crops such as lucerne, to reduce feed costs and improve livestock productivity.
Livestock farmer Mr Brian Siziba from Bubi District said the platform would enable farmers to identify available feed resources and make more informed decisions, particularly during periods of crisis.
“Some of the challenges we have as livestock farmers include knowing where feed is, how to access it and who we can work with in Government or other supporting partners. The platform will go a long way in addressing this,” he said.
He said the livestock sector has continued to suffer significant losses during drought years as water sources dry up and grazing conditions deteriorate, forcing farmers to rely on expensive supplementary feeding.
Mr Siziba added that livestock producers in Matabeleland North Province have also faced recurring outbreaks of tick-borne and viral diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and January Disease (Theileriosis).
The dashboard was developed under a three-year African Union-supported programme and is expected to enhance data-driven decision-making, strengthen preparedness for climate shocks and promote sustainable livestock development and food security.
It provides improved access to feed and fodder information, supports better planning by farmers and policymakers, strengthens early warning systems and disaster preparedness, and promotes sustainable, climate-smart livestock production.
With climate variability expected to continue affecting agricultural output, authorities say strengthening fodder systems and improving livestock data management will be critical to safeguarding Zimbabwe’s national herd and supporting the resilience of rural economies.
