Zim GBC News Reporter
Agri-News
HARARE – Zimbabwe has officially entered its annual fire restriction period, with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) urging heightened vigilance and farmers being implored to intensify hay baling as a critical defence against devastating veld fires.
Citing a significant shift in climatic patterns, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife has adjusted the statutory fire restriction period. It now runs from July 1 to November 30, 2024, significantly longer than the previous July 31 to October 31 window. EMA warns that this change reflects climate change extending the high-risk period for destructive fires.
“The fire season always comes with the dangers of killing natural flora and fauna, and worse still, cases of people dying as a result of fire outbreaks are reported every fire season,” stressed Mazowe District Agritex officer, Mr. Musekiwa Murisa.
“We have grass in abundance; the solution is simple: let’s cut the grass and turn it into livestock feed reserves.”
The government is rallying farmers nationwide to urgently cut abundant grass and bale it into hay. This serves a dual purpose:
- Boosting vital livestock feed reserves for the coming months.
- Creating essential fireguard buffer zones by removing flammable material, helping prevent fire spread.
Permanent Secretary for Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, reinforced the message:
“We have learnt a lot from previous fires… What we are simply saying here is let’s stop unnecessary fires. Let’s hay bail, produce and boost livestock feed, and stop burning grass.”
EMA’s national fire risk model paints a concerning picture:
- 43% of the country is at HIGH risk.
- 27% is at MEDIUM risk.
- 18% (notably in highveld provinces) is at EXTREME risk.
Districts identified as most vulnerable include Nyanga, Mutasa, Makoni, Mutare, Marondera, Chikomba, Hwedza, Harare, Zvimba, Mazowe, Centenary, Hurungwe, Murewa, Chipinge, Chimanimani, Chirumanzu, and Gweru. EMA emphasised these areas must prioritise fire preparedness.
The call to action comes after a devastating toll: over 4,500 veld fire incidents recorded last year alone, destroying nearly one million hectares.
Alarmingly, over 12 million hectares have been consumed by veld fires across Zimbabwe in the past 11 years.
All stakeholders, including farmers, rural communities, and leaders, are urged to be on high alert and actively participate in fire prevention measures throughout the extended restriction period.
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