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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
MORE than 47 percent of the livestock in Matabeleland South Province are at risk of dying due to the prevailing drought, a livestock department official has said.
Presenting a report on the livestock and crop situation during a drought relief meeting recently, Matabeleland South provincial livestock specialist, Mr Hatitye Zondai, said about 292 912 cattle were at risk of dying out of a provincial herd of 658 518.
He said Gwanda had the highest number of animals that were at risk with 79 232 out of 121 896.
Mr Zondai said Matobo District had the least number of animals at risk with 28 403.
“Drought is imminent and the situation in Matabeleland South Province is critical thereby negatively affecting livestock communal farmers and their livelihoods. The 2018/2019 rainy season was characterised by poor rainfall causing damage to crops and pastures. Cattle farmers are the most affected due to poor pastures, inadequate supply of water and increased costs of hay and feed.
“Over 47 percent of the animals are at risk and the number may increase as the season progresses. 4181 poverty deaths were recorded last year with Mangwe recording the highest with 1 267. Inadequate supply and high cost of stock feed is making it difficult for farmers to supplement their animals during this dry season. Unavailability and high cost of veterinary drugs and fluctuating beef prices are also a challenge,” he said.
Mr Zondai said the livestock condition in all districts was fair while quality of pastures was poor in most and the water situation for animals in all districts was in a critical state.
He said 85 percent of all pastures and rangeland in Matabeleland South was considered to be in a poor or very poor condition.
Mr Zondai said 74 percent of the land area in the province is under extreme or exceptional drought.
He said Beitbridge, Gwanda, Matobo, Bulilima and Mangwe were the worst affected.
“There is a need to put in place drought mitigation strategies to avert these challenges. There is a need for immediate implementation of livestock drought mitigation feeding and hay cutting programme in all districts in the province as they are all equally affected. Beneficiaries of the command livestock programme must be assisted with stock feed on a loan basis.
—@DubeMatutu
Online Reporter