Government Launches Feed Formulation Training for Communal Farmers to Mitigate Drought Impact

Strategic Insights -

In a bid to protect the livestock sector from the effects of drought and climate change, the Government has initiated feed formulation training programs for communal farmers in Matabeleland South Province. The training aims to equip farmers with practical knowledge and skills to produce high-nutrient animal feed using locally available materials, ensuring they can supplement their herds during lean periods. The initiative follows the devastating drought-induced deaths of over 19,000 cattle in the province last year, prompting farmers to adopt drought mitigation strategies such as silage and fodder production.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (Ardas) has launched feed formulation training programs for communal farmers in Matabeleland South Province.
  • The training aims to equip farmers with practical knowledge and skills to produce high-nutrient animal feed using locally available materials.
  • The initiative is part of the Government's broader strategy to mitigate the impact of drought and climate change on the livestock sector.
  • The training is adopting a cascading approach, starting with trainer training, followed by extension officers, and finally, farmers.
  • Communal farmers are being encouraged to establish at least two silage pits and two fodder plots per household as part of the training.
  • The training forms part of the National Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan, which aims to grow the national herd to six million by 2025.
  • The Government has intensified livestock health interventions through vaccination drives and artificial insemination using semen from genetically superior bulls to improve livestock breeds.
  • Mr. Bhekilizwe Ncube, Ardas' Matabeleland South provincial deputy director, emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency in feed production to enhance drought resilience.
  • The province has set an ambitious target of producing 635,000 hay bales by the end of August to supply communal livestock farmers with affordable feed.
  • Mr. Ncube noted that districts like Beitbridge and Umzingwane recorded the fewest cattle deaths last year, thanks to proactive uptake of drought mitigation measures.
  • The Government is urging irrigation farmers to dedicate part of their land to cultivating high-yielding fodder grasses and crops to support small stock.

Statistics:

  • Over 19,000 cattle died in Matabeleland South Province last year due to the El Nino-induced drought.
  • 635,000 hay bales are targeted for production by the end of August to supply communal livestock farmers with affordable feed.
  • 5.5 million is the current national herd size, aiming to grow to 6 million by 2025 under the National Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan.

Sources:

  • Ardas (no date) - feed formulation training programs for communal farmers in Matabeleland South Province.
  • Mr. Bhekilizwe Ncube (2023) - interview on feed formulation training and drought mitigation efforts.
  • Government of Zimbabwe (no date) - National Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan.