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Zim livestock sector on road to recovery

Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Obert Jiri

ZIMBABWE’S livestock sector is on the road to recovery after having been severely impacted by the El Niño-induced drought that claimed approximately 14 000 cattle and put at least three million others at risk.

Speaking at the Livestock Production Systems Project in Zimbabwe (LIPS-ZIM) closeout workshop, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development permanent secretary Obert Jiri said the livestock sector had shown significant signs of improvement and was expecting a gain of 1%-2% growth.

The project, which was launched in 2020 with a funding of US$5,2 million from the European Union, was aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers by enhancing their capacity to produce high-quality livestock products.

With the support from the government and farmers, the LIPS-ZIM project was one of the key initiatives that contributed to the sector's recovery.

The government also implemented the Livestock Emergency Assistance and Preparedness (LEAPS) programme, ensuring sustainability and productivity of the livestock sector.

“The drought had put 2,7 million cattle at risk, but timely interventions ensured that only 13 829 cattle were lost. The sector is now expected to grow by 1%-2% in 2025, with the cattle population projected to increase to 5,8 million,” he said.

“The government has set an ambitious target of achieving a US$3,5 billion livestock economy by 2025, but the drought has slowed progress.

“However, the poultry and dairy sectors have shown significant growth, with good milk production and a huge growth in the poultry sector.”

Jiri said government had implemented various interventions to mitigate the effects of drought on the sector as well as enhance productivity and sustainability.

“To combat diseases affecting livestock, the government has implemented various policies, including the production of vaccines and encouraging farmers to adopt dipping regimes.

“The government has also established a directorate to deal with livestock health issues and is working to prevent illegal imports that could affect the sector,” he said.

“The government is working with other partners to improve livestock production by implementing programmes to improve feed and fodder production, including training farmers on feed formulation strategies and encouraging them to grow fodder crops.”

Meanwhile, Jiri applauded the LIPS-ZIM project which showed remarkable achievements on adopting climate-smart innovations, capacity building and infrastructure as a pathway to sustainable agriculture.

“Ever since its inception in 2020, this transformative project has achieved remarkable milestones in enhancing the growth and sustainability of our livestock sector.

“Firstly, adoption of climate smart technologies with over 15 000 farmers in six target districts having adopted innovative animal nutrition technologies,” Jiri said.

He said the project succeeded in the development of livestock diets, collaborating with the University of Zimbabwe to register six specific diets tailored for cattle and goats.

Thus, these scientifically-backed diets are expected to improve the nutritional intake of livestock, further supporting farmers’ efforts in maximising their yields.

“Ninety-six officers from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the University of Zimbabwe Faculty of Veterinary Sciences were trained in disease surveillance, analysis, detection and vaccine production.

“While, 110 Agritex and DVS officers from target districts were trained as trainers through refresher workshops, enhancing their ability to support farmers effectively.

“Construction and promotion of acaricide footbaths in Chiredzi, Seke, Matopos and Nyaminyami districts for €1 390 (US$1 450) was undertaken to enhance livestock health.”

Jiri said the achievements had significantly strengthened farmers' resilience, empowered rural communities and enhanced the livestock sector’s contribution to food security and economic development.

He attributed the project’s success to the strong partnerships among government agencies, local communities and non-governmental organisations.

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