Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, Victoria Falls Reporter
MATABELELAND North Province has received a consignment of farming equipment — including hay baling tractors, solar kits, and vehicles for District Agricultural Extension Officers — in a Government initiative aimed at curbing livestock losses and enhancing agricultural productivity.
The handover ceremony, held at Mr and Mrs Moyo’s farm in Mbuyazwe, Umguza District on Tuesday, marked a significant milestone in the Government’s efforts to strengthen the province’s resilience to drought and improve livestock management.
In 2024, Matabeleland North experienced severe cattle losses due to drought, with 3 398 deaths reported. This formed part of a broader national loss of 13 269 cattle, with Matabeleland South and Masvingo also heavily affected.
The drought devastated grazing lands and water sources, resulting in widespread malnutrition and heightened vulnerability among livestock.
The equipment, distributed through the Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas), includes eight hay baling tractors, solar kits for extension officers, and vehicles to enhance mobility and service delivery.
Speaking at the event, Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Richard Moyo, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to rural development and agricultural modernisation. He described the initiative as a clear demonstration of the Second Republic’s pledge to leave no one behind.
“It is both an honour and a privilege for me to stand before you today at this momentous occasion, where we gather to witness the official handover of solar kits to agricultural extension officers, tractors, and vehicles to district heads serving in Matabeleland North Province.
“This event is not just a handover ceremony; it is a bold testament to our Government’s unwavering commitment to agricultural transformation and rural development. Today’s handover signifies a significant stride toward capacitating our extension workers — our foot soldiers on the ground — who play a critical role in supporting farmers, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and ensuring national food security,” said Minister Moyo.
Minister Moyo also paid tribute to President Mnangagwa for his visionary leadership, particularly through initiatives such as the Presidential Rural Development Programme and the Mechanisation and Modernisation Agenda.
“Let me begin by extending my heartfelt gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to the philosophy: ‘Leaving no one and no place behind.’ It is through his leadership that the Second Republic continues to implement people-centred policies that empower rural communities and drive inclusive growth,” he said.
Minister Moyo further highlighted the strategic importance of Matabeleland North Province, despite its climatic challenges, and urged extension officers to use the equipment responsibly.
“To our hard-working Ardas officers, this is your moment. These tools and equipment are being handed over to you not as a reward, but as an investment in your work, your passion, and your commitment to service.
“You are the backbone of our agricultural extension system, and it is only fitting that you are equipped accordingly,” he said.
Matabeleland North Ardas Director, Mr Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu, elaborated on the critical role the equipment will play in addressing livestock challenges.
He said the tractors would be used for biomass harvesting — a key intervention to mitigate feed shortages during droughts.
“The Ministry of Agriculture received equipment to boost production and productivity in the livestock sector. The idea was to support provinces that were hit hard by last season’s drought and suffered significant livestock losses.
The Minister then said, let us give them tractors to do biomass harvesting,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He also acknowledged the support from the World Food Programme (WFP), which donated additional machinery to complement Government efforts.
“We received the eight tractors as Matabeleland North Province, and then WFP donated a baler, a mower, and a rake to complement what the Government is doing in terms of managing our herd and reducing the mortality rates experienced during the drought,” said Mr Ndlovu.
He explained that the tractors would serve multiple purposes, including hay baling, fodder planting, and transportation — addressing critical gaps in farming operations.
“In terms of livestock, the tractors will be used to bale grass; they will also be used for planting fodder and for transport. Many crop producers will also benefit from them in areas of need,” he said.
The provision of vehicles to each district and solar kits for extension officers was also described as a game-changer in improving service delivery and data management.
“Tractor power has always been a challenge for farmers. Now, with each district having a vehicle, mobility will improve significantly,” said Mr Ndlovu.
The solar kits are expected to empower officers to embrace digital tools for communication and data processing, aligning with the Government’s push towards a digital economy.
“The tractors will remain under the custodianship of Ardas and will be deployed based on need, rather than being assigned to specific districts.
The solar panels will enable officers to charge their phones, improving communication, data collection, storage, and processing. As we move towards a digital economy, we want our officers to keep pace with technological advancements,” he said.
The event was attended by Government officials, traditional leaders, farmers, and development partners — all united in their commitment to transforming Matabeleland North’s agricultural landscape.
Bongani Ndlovu