Amalima Loko fights back against El Niño: Stock feed program supports vulnerable farmers

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

As El Niño wreaks havoc on communities in Matabeleland North, Amalima Loko is taking bold action to mitigate its devastating effects.

The organization’s stock feed program is providing a vital lifeline to small-scale livestock farmers, helping them to keep their herds alive and their livelihoods intact.

“The program subsidized Survival livestock feed for farmers with a herd of five cattle or less, reducing the financial constraint of maintaining their herd throughout the last months of the dry season.” said Keith Moyo, Amalima Loko’s spokesperson.

Through the program, Amalima Loko, funded by the USAID, is subsidizing survival livestock feed for farmers with five cattle or less, reducing the financial burden from $22 to $6 per bag.

“The El Niño drought has also impacted other hardy livestock species, including goats, sheep, and donkeys,” Moyo said.

“While all livestock are vulnerable during droughts, in most rural communities, cattle are often prioritized due to their economic value and vulnerability in harsh conditions. Cattle are typically larger and have higher nutritional needs, making them more vulnerable to malnutrition and diseases during a drought. Their larger body size also makes them more susceptible to heat stress.”

Amalima Loko’s program has already made a significant impact, with 1.3 metric tons of stock feed distributed to 3 410 small-scale farmers.