In the community

Drought devastates Matabeleland North province: Livestock deaths mount

Published

6 months ago

November 7, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In the parched lands of Matebeleland North province, a dire situation is unfolding. Villagers in Nkayi, Lupane and Hwange report that cattle are dying in staggering numbers, especially those that have recently given birth.

“The situation is terrible,” says Jane Ndlovu, a local farmer Simbo village.

Calf born alive, but immediately dies as the mother fails to feed

“Cows are dying after giving birth, and even the newborns are not surviving. It’s heartbreaking to see. We’re facing a catastrophic situation here. Our cattle are dying left and right, especially the ones that have just given birth. It’s like they’re being born just to die. And it’s not just the cattle, our donkeys are also perishing in large numbers. We’re talking about our livelihoods here, our source of income. Without our animals, we’re doomed.”

Ndlovu’s neighbor, Singaphi Sibanda, echoes her concerns.

“The situation is dire. We’re struggling to find food and water for our animals. The grazing lands are dry and barren, and the heat is unbearable. Our animals are suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. We’re trying to do our best, but it’s like fighting a losing battle. We’re talking about our very survival. There’s no food, no water, no nothing. Our children are going to bed hungry every night. We’re forced to walk long distances just to find a drop of water. And when we do, it’s often contaminated. We’re living in a nightmare.”

Jambezi resident Lenziwe Moyo adds, “The drought is relentless. We’ve never seen it this bad. Our animals are suffering, and we’re struggling to find food and water. We’re trying to do our best, but it’s like fighting a losing battle.”

Sub-calf ravaged by the drought

As the drought worsens, concerns grow about the long-term impact on the community.

“This drought is a disaster, a complete and utter disaster,” says Lupane village head Phios Ncube, a local leader.

“We need help, and we need it now. Our people are suffering, our animals are dying. We can’t just sit back and watch as our community is decimated.”

Background:

The current drought in Matebeleland North province and the country at large is driven by the El Nino phenomenon, which has brought extreme weather conditions to the region.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the country has experienced a 70% decline in maize production, and livestock deaths have surged.

The government has declared a state of emergency and launched the “Drought Relief Programme” to provide assistance to affected communities.

International organizations, such as the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization, are also providing support, but it is not reaching to everyone.

Research by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) shows that droughts in southern Africa have increased in frequency and severity over the past century, leading to significant livestock losses and food insecurity.

In the community

Human-wildlife conflict claims 18 lives in Zimbabwe’s first quarter

Published

3 weeks ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported a disturbing trend of human-wildlife conflict in the country’s first quarter of 2025. According to the authority, 18 people have lost their lives, and 32 others have been injured in encounters with wildlife.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo revealed that the authority received 579 cases of human-wildlife conflict, which they managed to respond to promptly. The incidents have also resulted in significant livestock losses, with at least 53 cattle and 85 goats killed by wildlife.

The districts most affected by these incidents include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi, Hurungwe, Nyaminyami, and Mbire. ZimParks has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about wildlife behaviors and effective preventive measures in these areas.

In response to the crisis, ZimParks has translocated 129 animals back into protected areas and eliminated 158 animals deemed problematic.

“We encourage communities to continue reporting incidents to ZimParks Problem Animal Control numbers and local leadership, such as Councillors, Traditional Leaders, and Rural District Council Authorities, to ensure that we preserve lives,” Farawo urged.

The significant increase in livestock losses, with cattle deaths rising from 18 to 53 and goat deaths from 21 to 85 compared to the same period in 2024, highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.

ZimParks’ efforts to mitigate the conflict include community initiatives to educate people on managing wildlife encounters effectively.

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

2 months ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.