IN the heart of Matabeleland South province, where the sun beats down relentlessly and the landscape shifts from lush greenery to arid desolation, local farmers face an uphill battle.
As climate change continues to reshape agricultural practices, the livestock sector finds itself at a crossroads.
While livestock keeping contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, it remains a vital livelihood for many.
Yet, shrinking pastures and rising temperatures present a formidable challenge that farmers must navigate.
This feature story delves into the voices of those affected — local farmers, livestock experts and community leaders — to explore how climate change is transforming livestock farming in this region.
In the village of Makhado, in Gwanda district, a community nestled in the province, livestock keeping is more than a way of life; it is a means of survival.
Meet Theresa Ndlovu, a local farmer who has raised cattle for over two decades.
“The pastures are drying up,” she laments, her voice heavy with concern.
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“I used to graze my cattle nearby, but now I have to travel further everyday to find water and food.
“It’s exhausting and costly.”
Theresa’s experience is echoed by many in the region.
Research studies indicate that the most significant changes due to climate fluctuations will affect the type of livestock species that can be sustainably farmed.
As temperatures soar and rainfall becomes increasingly unpredictable, farmers like Theresa are beginning to adapt their practices.
Sipho Moyo, a livestock expert with the Department of Research and Specialist Services, explains: “As the climate becomes hotter and drier, we anticipate a shift from traditional cattle farming to more resilient species like goats, donkeys, and sheep.
“These animals are better suited to survive in extreme conditions.
“This transition represents not just a change in species, but a fundamental shift in the culture of livestock farming”.
Local farmers are not alone in their struggles.
Civil society organisations are stepping in to provide support and resources.
Themba Khumalo, a representative from the Zimbabwe Farmers Union, says: “We are working to educate farmers about the benefits of diversifying their livestock.
“Goats and sheep require less water and can graze on tougher vegetation, making them ideal for the changing climate.”
However, diversifying livestock is not without its challenges.
Many farmers lack the capital to invest in new breeds or the knowledge of how to care for them.
“It’s hard to change what you’ve always known,” Theresa reflects.
“I’ve raised cattle my entire life. Now I’m being told to switch to goats. It’s a daunting prospect.”
The effects of climate change are not solely economic; they are deeply personal.
For many families, livestock represents security, heritage and identity.
“My grandfather raised cattle, and so did my father. I want to do the same,” Theresa adds.
“But if the climate keeps changing, I may have no choice but to adapt,” she notes, her eyes glistening with emotion.
As farmers venture further in search of feed and water, the physical toll becomes evident.
Men and women alike are spending hours each day transporting resources for their livestock.
“I’ve had to leave my home at dawn and return at dusk,” Theresa shares, her voice tinged with fatigue.
“It’s not just about my cattle; it’s also about providing for my family.
“The longer distances mean more time away from my children.”
This struggle for resources is compounded by the rising costs of transportation and the increasing scarcity of grazing land.
In a region where livestock farming is already a precarious endeavour, these challenges threaten to undermine the very foundation of rural livelihoods.
The implications of climate change extend beyond immediate survival; they shape the future of livestock farming.
Experts underscore the need for adaptive strategies.
“The shift towards hardier livestock species is not just an adaptation; it is a necessity,” says Crispen Sukume, an agricultural economist and researcher.
“Farmers must be proactive in changing their practices to ensure sustainability in the face of climate challenges,” he notes.
Studies by the Zimbabwe Agricultural Research Trust (ZART), with activities in Matabeleland South, highlight that regions experiencing increased temperatures and drought will likely see a significant decline in cattle and poultry farming.
Instead, the resilience of goats, donkeys and sheep will come to the forefront, offering a glimmer of hope amid uncertainty.
ZART, working closely with local farmers, conducts research on livestock breeds, animal health and sustainable farming practices in the arid region.
As the sun sets over Gwanda, the challenges of climate change loom large, but the spirit of resilience remains unwavering.
Local farmers, supported by government initiatives and civil society are beginning to chart a new course.
Through education, resource sharing and community collaboration, they are working to adapt to the realities of a changing climate.
Theresa’s journey is emblematic of many in Matabeleland South province.
While the path ahead is fraught with difficulties, the determination to preserve a way of life and adapt to new challenges will continue to drive the community forward.
“We may have to change our livestock, but we will not lose our spirit,” she asserts.
“Together, we will find a way to thrive.”
In this evolving landscape, the voices of farmers, experts and community leaders will shape the future of livestock farming in the region, ensuring that as climate challenges grow, so too does the resilience of those who call Matabeleland South home.
