Chronicle Editor
Judith Phiri, Business Reporter
THE Matabeleland region has lost more than 6 500 cattle to poverty deaths in the last two months out of the 7 004 deaths recorded nationwide and the Government has since moved in to roll out various mitigation measures to protect the national herd.
Matabeleland region which fall under agro-ecological Region 4 and 5 is characterised by severe dry spells and frequent seasonal droughts.
As the El Niño weather phenomenon takes its toll on the national herd, some districts in Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North provinces have been worst affected with livestock farmers losing animals to poverty deaths.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, for the period 1 November to 31 December 2023, the country lost 7 004 cattle to poverty deaths with Matabeleland South leading at 3 673 and Matabeleland North at 2 865.
“In November, Matabeleland South lost 1 900 livestock and 1 773 in December bringing the total to 3 673. Matabeleland North lost 527 cattle in November which then more than tripled to 2 338 in December bringing the total for the two months to 2 865,” said Department of Veterinary Services acting chief director, Dr Pious Makaya.
In the two months the other provinces such as Mashonaland Central lost 221 livestock, with Masvingo losing 110 and Midlands 68. Mashonaland West and Manicaland lost 39 and 28 cattle respectively.
The Government has since launched an intensive programme where it is drilling boreholes for humans and livestock in the most affected areas, especially communal areas where dams have dried up.
Early last month, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka toured Bulilima District’s Ngwana villages in Matabeleland South, where he was told that Ngwana Dam had dried up for the first time since 1987.
Dr Masuka announced the immediate borehole drilling intervention to save the lives of both livestock and people.
“This is part of the tour that we are conducting. What we know is that there are four districts in Matabeleland South that are worst affected and these are Bulilima, Gwanda, part of Beitbridge and Matobo.
“We are here to assess the situation on the ground so that we can recommend to Government the appropriate interventions,” said Dr Masuka during the tour.
Online Reporter