Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu and Thupeyo Muleya, Chronicle Writers
A HERD of marauding elephants has invaded Kwalu Irrigation Scheme in Beitbridge district, Matabeleland South province where they are destroying maize crops and citrus trees.
Plot holders at the 95-hectare irrigation scheme have resorted to taking turns to guard their fields during the day and at night to try and scare away the wild animals.
At the moment, six hectares have been put under maize while 34 hectares are under citrus. The maize is at the early vegetative stage while citrus is at fruit development.
The elephants have destroyed two hectares of maize.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has since deployed rangers to the area.
In interviews, farmers said there is a need for a permanent solution as the elephants continue to invade the irrigation scheme every year.
A plot holder, Ms Siphilisiwe Moyo said the irrigation scheme is their source of livelihood.
“We were anticipating a good yield of citrus fruits and maize crop, but now we are devastated as the elephants have destroyed two hectares of the maize crop. The maize isn’t ready and we can’t remove it from the field,” she said.
“Our citrus trees are also at risk and we can’t start harvesting as yet. This is a problem that has continued to persist for so long. This irrigation scheme is a major source of livelihood for us and this means our livelihoods are being threatened,” she said.
Ms Moyo said if the elephants continue to invade the scheme they are likely to lose a significant portion of their crop.
Another farmer, Mr Brian Ndou said before ZimParks deployed its rangers, they had resorted to guarding the irrigation scheme in groups.
Mr Rabelani Baloyi said elephants were disrupting their farming activities at the irrigation scheme.
“What is worrying us as farmers is that these jumbos continue to multiply every year and we fear that one day we will wake up and find all crops destroyed,” he said.
Mr Baloyi said the solution lies in erecting an electric fence to secure their crops.
“We need a long-term solution to address this problem of elephants and the only way is to put an electric fence to keep the elephants away. Our irrigation scheme is 95 hectares and we need funds to secure the whole area,” he said. “We have been planning to increase the area under production to increase our yields, but our efforts are likely to go down the drain as long as this elephant menace is not addressed.”
Agricultural Advisory and Rural Development Services’ Beitbridge district officer, Mr Masauso Mawocha said the irrigation scheme is currently under refurbishment.
“Farmers had planted three hectares and now what is remaining is 0,4ha due to the destruction. Rangers organised by the Beitbridge Rural District Council are on the ground and we await the updates,” he said.
“In terms of losses, they lost an estimated 15,6 tonnes based on the expected yield of 6 tonnes per hectare.’
ZimParks spokesperson, Mr Tinashe Farawo said a team has been deployed to the scene.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu