By Jonah B Moyo

GWANDA – LIVESTOCK farmers from Gwanda South want to see the revival of higher cattle sale prices, abandoning last year’s rates.

Villagers from Gwanda South are primarily farmers, who rely on livestock farming as their main source of income. They have various types of cattle, which they traditionally sold at reasonable prices to support their families and improve their social well-being.

However, last year was a nightmare for these farmers as they struggled to comprehend the purpose of keeping cattle, given the drastic decline in prices. The prices had fallen to an unprecedented level, with some cattle being sold for less than the price of a goat.

Many young people from Gwanda South have lost hope in cattle farming due to the crippling expenses incurred during feeding season, only to sell their livestock at a meagre price during selling season, resulting in a double loss.

This year, however, farmers from Gwanda South are demanding that cattle buyers offer reasonable prices for their livestock.

Thabiso Kageya, a cattle farmer from Gwanda South, added her view to the calls for a review of cattle sale prices.

“As residents of the cattle ranching region, we rely on cattle farming as our primary source of income, it is a bank from which we withdraw funds as needed.

“However, last year was a dismal failure, as we were unable to generate the usual revenue from our cattle. Cattle buyers took advantage of us, purchasing our livestock at rock-bottom prices of R1000 to R3000, leaving us in a state of distress,” she said.

Kageya also had this to say: “It is unacceptable to sell our cattle at prices comparable to those of goats. In fact, some goat breeds are now selling for as much as R8000. As farmers, we are calling for a review of cattle prices, as we rely solely on this industry for our livelihood.

“The current prices are unsustainable, with feeding costs alone amounting to R400 per animal, only to sell them for a meagre R1000. We urge those responsible for setting prices to reconsider, as the status quo is crippling our ability to make a living,” she said.

Matabeleland South Crime Prevention Trust Chairman, Sibangani Dube, said livestock was the equivalent of a bank for farmers. “While it may be uncomfortable to acknowledge, cattle farming is indeed the lifeblood of many families in Gwanda South. Our forefathers could afford to buy items like scotch-carts using proceeds from selling a single cow.

“However, with the current depressed prices, this is now an unattainable dream. We plead for the revival of cattle prices, enabling our farmers to generate a decent income from their livestock – their bank,” he said.

He also added this: “We implore cattle buyers to consider a price increase to $450-$550, allowing cattle farmers to sustain themselves. This would restore the dignity of our farmers and revive the age-old adage, ‘ubuhle bendoda zinkomozayo’ – a man’s wealth is measured by his cattle herd,” said Dube.

Gungwe (Mangweni) Village head, Khomotso Makhurane, expressed his concern, stating that the current situation was extremely stressful for farmers, who are no longer benefiting from cattle farming.

“In the past, when parents sold a cow, it was a guarantee of a better life for us. We did enjoy nice food, new clothes, and our school fees would be paid. However, those days are behind us. With the current low prices, selling a cow can barely cover the cost of essentials like sugar, let alone school fees,” said village head.

He also said that the prices should be revived so that they could feed their families.

“We implore cattle buyers to offer fair prices this year, enabling us to feed our children, send them to school, and provide for their basic needs after traveling long distances. We hope that when buyers come in large numbers, they will bring reasonable prices, ensuring a win-win situation for both parties, rather than leaving us at a loss,” he said.

Last year, in response to the exploitative prices offered by cattle buyers, the Government intervened, ensuring that cattle sales were conducted at sites where Government officials were present. This was to prevent farmers from exploitation by cattle buyers.