Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
Herald Reporter
The Government has called on livestock farmers to urgently implement drought mitigation measures ahead of the anticipated 2026/27 El Niño season, which is forecast to bring hotter and drier conditions across much of Zimbabwe.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Management, Professor Obert Jiri, said early preparedness would be crucial in protecting livestock, minimising losses and maintaining productivity during the expected dry spell.
He said livestock producers should prioritise water security by ensuring cattle have access to clean and parasite-free water throughout the year.
“Farmers should drill new boreholes, deepen existing wells and embrace water harvesting technologies to improve water availability for livestock,” said Prof Jiri.
He said damaged water troughs should be repaired, while communities with limited resources should work together to establish ward-based watering points to reduce the distance animals travel in search of water.
Prof Jiri also urged farmers to strengthen feed and fodder reserves ahead of the dry season by taking advantage of the abundant pasture produced during the 2025/26 agricultural season.
He said hay should be harvested, baled and stored safely for future use, while crop residues such as maize stover and wheat straw should be conserved to supplement livestock feed during periods of pasture shortage.
With the risk of veld fires expected to increase during the dry season, Prof Jiri said farmers should establish fireguards around grazing areas and fodder storage facilities to protect valuable feed resources.
He warned that high temperatures associated with El Niño could negatively affect livestock productivity through reduced feed intake, slower growth rates, lower milk production and fertility challenges.
“Farmers must provide adequate shade through trees, shade nets or simple shelters and ensure animals are watered during cooler periods of the day, particularly in the morning and late afternoon,” he said.
Prof Jiri said maintaining herd health would also be essential during the anticipated drought period.
He urged farmers to vaccinate cattle against diseases such as anthrax, blackleg, foot-and-mouth disease and tick-borne infections, while ensuring regular dipping, dosing and deworming programmes are conducted.
Failure to maintain proper animal health management during drought conditions, he said, could result in disease outbreaks, abortions, rapid weight loss and increased livestock mortality.
To protect breeding stock and avoid distress sales, Prof Jiri encouraged farmers to cull unproductive animals and dispose of excess stock before drought conditions worsen.
“Farmers should not wait for animals to lose condition before selling. Planned culling helps preserve productive breeding herds and improves overall herd management,” he said.
He also encouraged livestock producers to make full use of Drought Mitigation Centres and Cattle Business Centres, which offer advisory services, watering facilities, feed conservation and supplementation technologies, dipping services and organised cattle auctions.
Prof Jiri said the facilities would play a key role in helping farmers minimise drought-related losses while accessing structured markets that offer fair value for their animals.
“As we prepare for the anticipated El Niño season, farmers must act early and adopt sound livestock management practices. A healthy, disease-free and well-maintained animal stands a better chance of surviving drought conditions,” he said.
