The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Farming Reporter
THE condition of cattle in the Matabeleland region has significantly improved following the rainfall which was received in most parts of the country last month, officials have said.
Most farmers in Matabeleland lost a significant number of cattle due to drought with over 30 000 poverty deaths being recorded at Government’s agriculture departments last year, although the number is likely to be more than that as some cases went unrecorded.
In Matabeleland South Province a total of 25 758 cattle were reported to have died due to the effects of drought while 5 791 succumbed to the same fate in Matabeleland North Province, bringing the total number of cattle lost in the region to 31 549.
However, due to the rains, which were recorded throughout the country towards the end of January and the better part of last month the condition of cattle and other livestock has improved.
Department of Agricultural Technical and Extension Services (Agritex) Matabeleland South provincial livestock officer, Mr Zondani Muchemwa said the condition of cattle in his area of jurisdiction has improved due to the resurgence of pastures and availability of water at most sources.
“The condition of the cattle has significantly improved even in areas like Gwanda South where the situation was bad. The animals are now recovering. The grazing and water levels at most dams have also improved and in the next three weeks we expect the condition of cattle to be very fair,” he said.
Matabeleland South lost 1 798 cattle in Mangwe District, 4 309 (Bulilima), 4 034 (Gwanda), 4 621 (Matobo), 5 581 (Beitbridge), 385 (Umzingwane) and 5 030 (Insiza).
Matabeleland North Department of Veterinary Services provincial veterinary officer Dr Polex Moyo agreed with Mr Muchemwa but said the province was still facing a challenge of water.
“The condition of cattle is improving greatly but there still isn’t much water in dams but as for the pastures its better, but I doubt if it will last up to September,” he said.
In Matabeleland North, Nkayi was the most affected district with 1 989 cattle reported to have succumbed to poverty with Binga recording 1 744 deaths, Hwange (551), Lupane (612), Tsholotsho (334) and Umguza (146). In January eight cattle were lost in Binga, Bubi (250), Hwange (304) and Lupane (268) while nothing was recorded from the other districts.
Agritex Matabeleland South provincial crop and livestock officer Ms Simangaliphi Ngwabi said despite the improvement in pastures and water, farmers should always be on guard against the effects of climate change.
“Accordingly, the condition of cattle has improved as well as grazing and water sources but we cannot run away from the effects of climate change. We are largely anticipating shortage of grazing due to the effects of climate change and astute farmers should look at making hay when the grass has matured because in July, we are likely to run out of pastures. Hay is not only meant to be done as bales but the grass can be dried under a shed to preserve nutrients,” she said.
@DNsingo
