Agricultural Correspondent
MATABELELAND SOUTH – Communal livestock farmers in Matabeleland South are turning to fodder production and feed formulation to sustain their herds during dry seasons, a crucial shift following the loss of approximately 19,000 cattle to last year’s El Niño-induced drought.
The devastating losses have served as a wake-up call, prompting many farmers to adopt silage and fodder production for the first time, while others have intensified these practices to build resilience against future climate shocks.
Ms. Beauty Nkomo, a member of the Siyathuthuka Farmer Field School in Insiza District, shared her transformative experience.
“I always saw some farmers growing fodder crops and extension workers also emphasised their importance, but I overlooked it. The drought we experienced last year left us in despair,” she said.
“I lost 10 cattle and was left with eight. Now I know the importance of growing fodder crops. This farming season I am going to set aside a plot for fodder crops, which I will preserve and feed to my animals during the dry months.”
Mr. Khumbulani Nyoni, a communal farmer from Gwanda District, highlighted the role of government training in building local capacity.
“Growing fodder crops is an affordable method of ensuring that animals have access to quality feed during dry conditions,” he explained.
“We have also been equipped with knowledge on feed formulation, where we mix our fodder crops to bring out the best nutritive value. This is affordable as we can use locally available resources, unlike buying commercial feed which is beyond our reach.”
The Government, through the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), has rolled out comprehensive training on feed formulation as part of climate-proofing and drought-mitigation strategies.
Mr. Bhekilizwe Ncube, Matabeleland South ARDAS deputy director, emphasized the program’s importance:
“By adopting feed preservation methods, the province can ensure livestock feed availability, support cattle production and enhance food security. This training forms part of our broader climate resilience strategies in the livestock sector.”
The initiative is helping farmers cultivate various fodder crops including lucerne, lablab, sunn hemp and bana grass, providing a sustainable solution to safeguard livelihoods against increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
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