Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
ENVIRONMENT, Climate and Wildlife Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu has called on local authorities in Matabeleland South to use some of the devolution funds to develop infrastructure to support livestock production which is the major farming activity in the province.
Speaking during a Matabeleland South provincial investment conference in Umzingwane District at the weekend, Minister Ndlovu said there is a need to boost livestock production in the province which is also suitable for citrus fruits production.
He applauded the province for organising the conference which he described as a crucial platform for creating linkages for the development of the province.
The conference was held under the theme “Unlocking investment opportunities through private sector led initiatives for a devolution rainbow province”.
“This investment forum is a good opportunity for us to introspect and look at our provincial economy and see where there are opportunities or where we can create opportunities. One of our key strengths in the province is livestock production as almost every household has either a goat or a cow or small livestock,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He said it was unfortunate that livestock production was on a downward trend due to challenges such as drought and diseases.
Minister Ndlovu said local authorities should identify opportunities and use devolution funds to try and support their communities to boost livestock production.
“You can use devolution funds to build dip tanks and other such infrastructure to support livestock production,” he said.
Minister Ndlovu, however, said farmers should diversify and venture into citrus fruits production to avoid putting all their eggs in one basket.
He said farmers can venture into production of oranges and macadamia to complement livestock production.
Minister Ndlovu said a study which was done on macadamia production showed that if a farmer puts 100 hectares under macadamia he or she wil start earning as much as US$1 million per year after six to seven years.
“Let’s look at our strengths as a province and let’s redirect our attention towards developing our strong areas. Let’s empower people at the communal level to ensure that our communities become productive,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He said crop production is very low in the province due to poor rains hence the need to concetrate on other farming activities such as livestock and citrus fruits production.
Minister Ndlovu said a study on remittances showed that Matabeleland South is leading in international remittances.
He said this is a clear indication that most people from the province are in the diaspora and they are supporting communities back home.
Minister Ndlovu urged local authorities to come up with deliberate policies to encourage diasporans to invest in property development and other sectors of the economy.
“Our province has most of its young people working in the diaspora but there is no facility which enables them to invest in property development. We need laws that will promote such investment,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He said hundreds of disporans who visit the country during the festive season like now should be encouraged to build houses in the different towns in the province so that they live comfortably when in the country. — @DubeMatutu.
Online Reporter