Bulilima district livestock farmers are bearing the brunt of the El Niño-induced drought, with over 3000 cattle lost so far due to lack of food and water, according to Bulilima Acting District Agritex Officer Jephta Ndebele.
Ndebele spoke at a field day event in Lulo Village, Tokwana, co-organised by Agritex and Hope for a Child In Christ (HOCIC).
The event focused on training farmers in small livestock production as a potential alternative.
Ndebele warned of an “impending disaster” due to the lack of rainfall and predicted more livestock deaths from poverty.
“We’ve lost at least 3,000 cattle due to water and food shortages. Crop yields were also non-existent,” Ndebele said. “Many farmers are now focusing on nutritional gardens. We’re urging those with access to irrigation to grow fodder to supplement animal feed. We aimed for 105 hectares, but only about 60 hectares have been completed.”
Ndebele highlighted concerns about dwindling water supplies. “Our boreholes will likely run dry because they haven’t been recharged by the poor rains. We’re pushing to ensure existing boreholes have functioning water troughs for livestock.”
Initially, destocking cattle to reduce deaths was met with resistance, but Ndebele said farmers’ perspectives are changing as losses mount.
“Due to the dire situation, some buyers are taking advantage, offering very low prices for cattle,” he explained. “One readily available solution is to work with abattoirs to sell the cattle for a fair price.”
Ndebele acknowledged the difficulty of destocking, saying, “Farmers were initially hesitant, but the high death rate is leading to a positive change in their perception. Destocking is obviously a difficult decision, so we’re exploring selling to abattoirs.”
“We can’t ask them to sell their cattle for as little as US$150-US$200. We’re approaching abattoirs to negotiate fair prices. We could also push for government-subsidised feed, but that might take longer.”
Ndebele encouraged farmers to form a Livestock Association to address the crisis. “This would allow them to connect with stockfeed suppliers from Bulawayo and surrounding areas at cost-effective prices, as access can be limited here in Plumtree.”
