Farmers urged to identify quelea bird roosting sites to protect crops

AGRICULTURAL and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) chief director Medlinah Magwenzi has urged farmers in Matabeleland North Province to identify quelea bird roosting sites as part of efforts to reduce crop losses ahead of the winter cropping season.

Speaking during a seminar for Agritex officers and farmers from the province, Mrs Magwenzi said early detection of roosting areas allows for more effective and cost-efficient control of the destructive birds before they descend on crop fields.

Quelea birds—particularly the highly destructive Red-billed quelea—are known to roost in large colonies in dense trees, shrubs and reed beds, often near water sources and feeding areas. These sites can host thousands to millions of birds, making them key targets for coordinated control operations.

“Early identification of these roosting areas allows for timely intervention, reducing the extent of damage to crops such as wheat and sorghum,” said Mrs Magwenzi.

The seminar brought together extension officers and farmers to deliberate on practical solutions to production challenges, including pest management, as the province prepares for the upcoming winter cropping season.