Vusumuzi Dube
Theseus Shambare
THE Government is intensifying efforts to curb stock theft through the adoption of smart livestock tracking technologies that allow farmers and law enforcement agencies to monitor animal movements in real time.
This comes amid a surge in stock theft cases in recent weeks, with some farmers reporting the discovery of carcass remains of stolen cattle, a development that has heightened concern across the livestock sector.
Areas on the outskirts of major urban centres have emerged as hotspots, with criminals targeting farms closer to cities where there is easier access to illicit markets.
Speaking during a field visit to Dumile Beef Investment, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Permanent Secretary Dr Obert Jiri said the modernisation of livestock management systems was critical in safeguarding national herds and boosting productivity.
He said the adoption of digital tools such as the FarmRanger tracking system would strengthen surveillance and improve response to stock theft incidents.
“We continue to modernise our agriculture, and livestock rearing must not be left behind. Tools like the FarmRanger enable farmers to monitor movement, manage dipping schedules and enforce boundaries, which is critical in preventing losses,” said Prof Jiri.
The FarmRanger system uses collars fitted on cattle to transmit real-time data to farmers’ mobile phones, allowing them to track location, movement patterns and unusual activity.
The technology also incorporates geo-fencing, which triggers alerts when animals move beyond designated boundaries, enabling swift intervention.
Mr Max Tawanda-Uzande of Max Uzande Consultancy, the official distributor of the technology in Zimbabwe, said the innovation was a major breakthrough in livestock security.
“One collar can monitor up to 30 cattle or 450 sheep and goats.
“Farmers can receive instant alerts when animals stray or are moved unexpectedly, which is key in curbing stock theft,” he said.
He added that the devices are durable, waterproof and can operate for up to eight months on a single charge, making them suitable for Zimbabwe’s diverse farming environments.
The system is also being integrated into national anti-stock theft efforts, with the Zimbabwe Republic Police Anti-Stock Theft Unit working with farmers to enhance tracking and recovery of stolen livestock.
At Dumile Beef Investment, farm manager Ms Trish Shamibuanya said the technology had improved efficiency and control over livestock operations.
“The device helps us monitor cattle movements, track routine activities like watering and dipping, and manage the herd more effectively,” she said.
Stock theft continues to pose a significant threat to Zimbabwe’s livestock sector, undermining farmer confidence and national production targets.
Authorities say the adoption of smart technologies, coupled with strengthened collaboration between farmers and law enforcement, will play a critical role in protecting livestock and supporting the country’s broader agricultural modernisation drive under Vision 2030.
Online Reporter