Farmers in the Nkosikazi area of Inyathi are turning to drought-resistant fodder crops as a sustainable way to protect their livestock from recurring dry spells following an intervention by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT).
The initiative, which promotes the cultivation of nutritious leguminous fodder such as mucuna and sunhemp is transforming livestock management in a region long plagued by erratic rainfall and dwindling grazing pastures.
ICRISAT Senior Scientific officer Thabani Dube said the programme is aimed at strengthening both crop and livestock resilience among smallholder farmers.
“We encourage farmers to plant cattle fodder together with their crops, especially legumes so that they can secure feed for their livestock even during drought periods. This integrated approach not only improves soil fertility but also ensures that farmers are better prepared for climate shocks,” said Dube in an interview with CITE.
Dube noted that droughts have historically forced farmers to sell their livestock at very low prices or move them to distant areas in search of pasture, often resulting in losses.
Farmers who have adopted the new fodder crops say the benefits are already evident.
One farmer, Gibson Ncube said planting mucuna and sunhemp has significantly improved his ability to feed his livestock year-round.
“I planted mucuna and sunhemp along side my crop and it has made a huge difference. Even during the dry months, I now have enough feed for my cattle and goats. My animals are healthier and I no longer panic when the rains are poor,” he said.
Another farmer Dorcas Nyoni highlighted the economic advantages of the programme.
“Since I started supplementing my cattle with these fodder crops, their condition has improved greatly. Buyers are now offering better prices for my livestock because they are well-fed, even in drought conditions,” she said.
Sunhemp, one of the promoted crops, is particularly valued for its rapid growth and high biomass yield, producing up to 14 tonnes of dry matter per hectare.
Both sunhemp and mucuna thrive in dry conditions, making them ideal for semi-arid regions like Inyathi.
Beyond providing feed, the legumes also enrich the soil through nitrogen fixation, contributing to improved crop productivity.
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