Chronicle Editor
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
SMALLHOLDER farmers in Beitbridge have started benefiting from a partnership with the Rangelands Regeneration Trust that seeks to create an integrated conservancy for both wildlife and livestock management to boost the area’s economic development initiatives. The Integrated Management Area (IMA), is expected to cover areas under Wards 6, 7, 8, and 9, and the Nottingham Estate, Sentinel Safaris, and Mangwanani farm all falling under the Greater Mapungubwe Trans-Frontier Area (GMTFCA).
It is envisaged that the IMA will be developed as a world-class tourism destination, with increased wildlife populations. Rangelands Regeneration coordinator, Mr Steve Pacock said the IMA model incorporates community-owned livestock that is managed in a holistic manner through combined herding and planned grazing.
“So far, we had our first cattle sale at the Rangelands Regeneration Livestock Business Centre (LBC) on the corner of Gem Farm, near Beitbridge Juicing in Beitbridge West,” he said.
“The sale, which was held in partnership with the Beitbridge Rural District Council as part of their cattle sales calendar was highly successful, with 61 cattle yarded, and 50 sold.
“This sale injected over R390 000 into the local economy, with the average sale price being R7 800. It is one of the most successful cattle sales held in Beitbridge District so far this year.”
The monthly cattle sales are expected to continue with a focus on linking the farmers with lucrative beef markets. Under the livestock section, the farmers are being encouraged to bring their cattle a day early to be securely penned overnight. For buyers, cattle can be kept overnight after the sale at no charge, while transport is being arranged. The Chronicle is reliably informed that Rangelands Regeneration Trust has spent US$80 000 on livestock and smart agriculture-related projects under the same initiative.
Livestock farmers in Beitbridge west said the creation of the LBC was critical and would eliminate the issue of stock thefts or the middlemen buying their animals at very low prices. “This is a welcome development and such a set-up is transparent compared to clandestine private sales where people steal livestock and sell.
“We are grateful for such a facility where everything is done in a formal way in broad daylight. Our economic activities at the household level are anchored on livestock farming. So we are happy with the work that has been done here,” said Mr Zachariah Moyo.
Another farmer, Mr Patrick Muleya said the Rangelands Regeneration Trust had restored the dignity of livestock farmers. He said stock theft had been a cause for concern for most of them and now they had hope that things will improve.
Mr Muleya said the presence of the police at the sale was a smart move to reduce crime.
“Such organised cattle sales give fairness in terms of prices to the community who have their cattle here. You can see there are competitive prices on offer from different buyers from across the Matabeleland region,” said a local businessman, Mr Felix Venge.
“At times we have businessmen who go to communities to buy cattle and they don’t offer competitive prices. So the farmers here at this facility are getting fair prices which is good to boost the economy from the grassroots level.” -@tupeyo
Online Reporter