A veterinary surgeon based in Gwanda, Matabeleland South has urged cattle farmers in the drought prone region to reduce the number of livestock they kept as signs were apparent the country was heading for yet another devastating dry period.
Places most likely to be more affected by the situation are Matabeleland and Midlands provinces, which lie in lowland areas of the country sometimes referred to as the Region Five, an area which is most suitable for keeping livestock.
In an interview with NewZimbabwe.com on measures to take in order to avoid mass deaths of livestock in the area, Enat Mdlongwa, urged cattle farmers to reduce the number of livestock they keep in order to avoid scramble for food and water.
“There is great need to destock our livestock and remain with a manageable breeding herd. This will guarantee you that your livestock will survive because keeping more livestock will mean the ration between food and livestock does not balance,” Mdlongwa told our reporter.
