Matabeleland South Farmers Embrace Fodder Production to Mitigate Drought Impacts

Strategic Insights -

As the impact of the El Niño-induced drought still lingers in Matabeleland South, communal livestock farmers are shifting their focus towards fodder production and feed formulation as a means to ensure their animals' survival during the dry seasons. The drought last year claimed around 19,000 cattle, prompting farmers to adopt silage and fodder production for the first time or intensify these activities. With the knowledge gained from extension workers, farmers such as Ms Beauty Nkomo and Mr Khumbulani Nyoni are now convinced of the importance of growing fodder crops, which not only provide a source of income but also help in producing nutritious feed for their animals, improving their performance and access to quality nutrition during dry conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Communal livestock farmers in Matabeleland South are adopting fodder production and feed formulation as a response to the El Niño-induced drought.
  • The drought last year resulted in the loss of around 19,000 cattle, prompting farmers to take action to mitigate such impacts in the future.
  • Fodder production and feed formulation enable farmers to produce nutritious feed for their animals, improving their performance and access to quality nutrition during dry seasons.
  • Government, through the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), has rolled out training on feed formulation for communal farmers as part of efforts to capacitate them for possible droughts.
  • Mr Nyoni highlighted that fodder crops are more affordable compared to buying commercial feed, and farmers can use locally available resources to mix and preserve their fodder for future use.
  • Ms Nkomo and Mr Nyoni have spoken about the importance of growing fodder crops, with Ms Nkomo intending to set aside a plot for fodder crops this farming season, and Mr Nyoni emphasizing the benefits of preserved fodder for livestock nutrition and performance.
  • Fodder production part of climate-proofing and drought-mitigation strategies in the livestock sector, aiming to ensure livestock feed availability, support cattle production, and enhance food security.

Statistics:

  • 19,000 cattle lost due to the El Niño-induced drought in Matabeleland South.
  • Government has rolled out training on feed formulation for communal farmers through the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS).
  • Farmers can use locally available resources to mix and preserve fodder, making it a cost-effective option compared to commercial feed.
  • Fodder production supports efforts to ensure livestock feed availability, support cattle production, and enhance food security.

Sources:

  • "Matabeleland South communal livestock farmers embrace fodder production," Independent [November], 2022, no author mentioned.