Online Reporter
Theseus Shambare
SMALLHOLDER dairy farmers have been urged to adopt fodder flow planning to secure a consistent supply of feed, improve milk yields and build climate resilience in the face of seasonal feed shortages.
This comes as thousands of households in regions across the country—from the fertile plains of Region II to the drier zones of Region IV— are turning to dairy farming to augment their income and ensure food security.
However, seasonal feed gaps, particularly from August to October, continue to derail production and profitability.
“A persistent feed shortage during the dry season weakens herd health, lowers fertility, and drastically reduces milk output,” said Marlon Chawarika, a research officer at the Grasslands Research Institute.
“Many farmers still rely heavily on natural pastures, which are not reliable year-round.”
To address this, the institute is promoting fodder flow planning—a systematic approach to growing, conserving and managing livestock feed throughout the year.
“Fodder flow planning is not just about planting grass. It is about aligning crop cycles with livestock needs,” said Chawarika.
“If farmers treat fodder like a cash crop, they can cut costs, improve productivity, and protect themselves from climate shocks.”
The institute has designed two fodder models tailored for different climatic regions. For rain-fed areas like Regions III and IV, farmers are encouraged to grow pasture grasses like Rhodes and Star Grass, integrate legumes such as Desmodium and Siratro and conserve excess forage as hay or silage.
In drier months, drought-tolerant crops like Napier Grass and leguminous trees like Leucaena can be used.
In irrigated areas like Region II, farmers are advised to maintain year-round green feed through crops like kikuyu, ryegrass, oats and lucerne, supported by rotational grazing and silage production.
Proper agronomic practices—such as soil testing, liming, certified seed use and efficient irrigation—are essential to success.
“Fodder flow is the backbone of sustainable dairy,” he said.
“We urge all smallholders to plan ahead and reduce reliance on expensive commercial feeds.”
With Zimbabwe aiming for national milk self-sufficiency, experts believe a shift in mindset—from livestock keeping to fodder farming—could transform the smallholder dairy sector into a resilient and profitable enterprise.
