Cattle dying as dams dry up

DAMS in Matabeleland South Province are drying up, threatening the economic
assets of the province.

Matabeleland South Province is endowed with several natural resources while cattle
ranching is one of the pillars of economic activities.

However, cattle looking water to drink are dying as they become trapped in dams
that have become muddy due to drying up as a result of the heatwave.

Last week, one farmer from Kezi area in Matobo District lost more than 10 cattle
after they were trapped in sections of a dam that are muddy because of receding
water levels.

Acting Provincial Director Agriculture Rural Development Services, Mkhunjulelwa
Ndlovu, described the situation as bad.

“The scenario is bad and threatening the economic assets in the province.
“Losing water is a crisis because it is the most important ingredient in nutrition.
“The majority of the dams are drying up this season”.

“In Gwanda, Matobo, Mangwe, Bulilima and also Beitbridge, animals are facing
serious challenges of water supplies.

Unfortunately, dams have now muddy water and the animals have no choice but
wade deeper inside the dams in search of clean water. In the process they get
trapped,” said Ndlovu.

Asked about the grazing situation, Ndlovu said this is dire because the pastures are
depleted and dry.

“In terms of grazing, animals have lost conditions especially in communal setup.
As advice, farmers should continue to supply their animals using commercial stock
feeds and hay bales.

“When rains come, l advise farmers to grow fodder crops for their livestock,” urged
the agriculture expert.

Last week there were social media messages circulating about cattle which were
trapped in Gohole Kezi Dam. Pictures showed that some of the trapped animals
were already dead, while other were still trying to rescue themselves but in the
process worsening the situation as they only sank deeper.

The cattle had ear tags numbered 285 and branded ETB.

Matobo District is the worst affected area, where several villagers claim most of their
cattle have died due to drought, while others have been trapped in mud at water
points, especially in dams.

According to a report released by Habakkuk Trust, the rural communities in
Matabeleland South are in distress after water sources and grazing areas have
become depleted, resulting in the death of livestock.

“The prevailing harsh climate conditions have precipitated an erratic start to the
2023/24 rainy season currently experienced in most parts of the country.

“The country is currently at the peak of the ongoing strong El Nino event, which is
driving below-average rainfall across much of southern Africa. “According to
villagers from Gohole in Matobo District, the situation is dire as dozens of cattle
succumb to the crisis in an attempt to drink water from muddy ponds that are inside
the local dam,” reads part of the report.