adminElton Manguwo
IN a move meant to avert poverty deaths in livestock, Government is engaging the private sector to find ways of availing feed for animals in drought-stricken areas.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Professor Obert Jiri yesterday said Government had taken proactive steps to address the challenges posed by the El Nino-induced drought in some regions in the country.
“In collaboration with private companies, we are working to ensure that livestock in the affected areas receive adequate feed to prevent any loss of life,” said Professor Jiri.
The results of the of the second crop and livestock assessment held in April 2024 hinted at the availability of fair grazing and adequate drinking water availability for up to nine months in the good areas and three months in the worst-hit areas.
“By working in partnership with private partners, the Government aims to provide a comprehensive solution that addresses the immediate feed requirements and supports the long-term resilience of the affected areas,” said Professor Jiri.
This initiative aims to safeguard the health and productivity of the country’s livestock, thereby mitigating the devastating economic and social consequences of the drought banking on the strengths of both the public and private sectors.
In line with the country’s goal to expand the national livestock herd to 11 million by 2030, Government has intensified efforts to bolster the performance and productivity of the sector.
“We have introduced various programmes such as the Presidential Silage Scheme and the Presidential forage programme among others to support the livestock sector,” said Professor Jiri highlighting that the Presidential Inputs scheme Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme would feature a livestock feed package.
The Government designed village business units (VBUs) to include fodder production, feed formulation, feed lot facilities and watering points for livestock.
The final Crop and Livestock and Fisheries Assessment has revealed that during the 2023/24 lean El Nino season, the drier parts of the country had about 2 882 710 cattle of which 1 488 523 were said to be at risk.
“For this reason the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has developed a myriad of drought mitigation strategies to prevent losses in all livestock species including beef, dairy cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and poultry,” said professor Jiri.
Zimbabwean farmers have long grappled with insufficient access to high-quality fodder, which has had a negative impact on the productivity, health, and overall economic performance of the livestock sector.
This persistent challenge has been a significant burden for farmers, leading to a range of adverse consequences.
“The intensified fodder production drive is expected to have a cascading positive effect on the livestock sector, leading to improved animal health, increased milk and meat production and enhanced farmer incomes. It will also contribute to food security by reducing the country’s reliance on imported animal feeds,” said Professor Jiri.
Online Reporter