Online Reporter
Agriculture News Editor
The Directorate of Veterinary Services has reaffirmed its commitment to working with Government, development partners and farming communities to strengthen animal health systems and improve livestock productivity across Zimbabwe.
This came out at the recent handover of a dip tank to the Mankobole community in Binga.
The Red Cross Society partnered Government in constructing the dip tank.
The initiative is meant to invest in livestock health to boost community resilience, food security and economic empowerment in rural areas.
In a speech read on her behalf by Binga veterinary officer, Dr Ngqabutho Bhebhe, Matabeleland North provincial veterinary director, Dr Sitokozile Sibanda, said livestock production remained the backbone of livelihoods in Binga District and throughout Matabeleland North Province.
“The construction of the dip tank marked a significant milestone for the people of Mankobole. This occasion is not merely about infrastructure; it is about strengthening livelihoods, safeguarding livestock and building resilient communities.
“Livestock; cattle, goats, sheep and other livestock are more than just animals to rural communities but a source of income, food security, draught power, social status, school fees and household resilience during times of climatic shocks and economic challenges.
“The productivity of our livestock can only be sustained if we maintain good animal health,” she said.
Dr Sibanda said tick-borne diseases such as January Disease (Theileriosis), Heartwater, Redwater and Anaplasmosis continued to pose a serious threat to the national herd and caused significant economic losses through animal deaths, reduced productivity and increased costs of treatment.
“The construction of Mankobole Diptank therefore comes at an opportune time. A functional dip tank is one of the most effective tools for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases.
“Regular dipping significantly reduces tick infestations, protects livestock from disease outbreaks, improves productivity, and ultimately enhances household incomes,” Dr Sibanda said.
Government under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) (2026-2030), places great emphasis on transforming agriculture into a modern, productive and resilient sector that contributes meaningfully to national economic growth. Livestock development and animal health management are key pillars within this strategy.
According to the DVS, the construction of the dip tank directly contributes to NDS2 aspirations by enhancing livestock productivity and production; strengthening animal disease prevention and control systems, promoting climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods among rural communities and supporting inclusive rural development and poverty reduction.
“Every dip tank constructed, rehabilitated and every animal dipped contributes directly to reducing tick-borne diseases, increasing cattle survival, and achieving our national livestock targets.
“This initiative aligns well with several global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contributes to SDG1 (No Poverty) by improving livestock productivity and household incomes and supports SDG2 (Zero Hunger) by enhancing food security through improved livestock production and availability of animal-source foods,” Dr Sibanda said.
The initiative according to Dr Sibanda contributes to SDG 3 through the prevention and control of animal diseases, including zoonotic diseases that can affect human health.
She acknowledged the leadership role played by Chief Saba and the village heads in Mankobole in mobilising communities and fostering ownership of development initiatives.
“Traditional leadership remains indispensable in ensuring that community projects such as this one are protected and sustained for future generations,” she said.
