Bulawayo Bureau

Farmers have lost more than 21 400 cattle in Matabeleland as this year’s drought — regarded as the worst in four decades — takes its toll.

It is feared the figures could be more as some deaths are not being captured.

Most animals are succumbing to depleted grazing fields and diminishing water sources.

Of the 21 400, 15 180 deaths were from Matabeleland South, while 6 220 deaths were recorded in Matabeleland North.

Beitbridge District has been the hardest hit area in the region, with almost 4 000 cattle reported to have died. One farmer reportedly lost over 150 animals.

“Most communal farmers have lost cattle due to poverty. Farmers are losing as many as 20 animals, and there is one farmer in Beitbridge who has remained with less than 30 cattle from his herd of 200,” said Matabeleland South provincial livestock officer Mr Zondani Muchemwa.

Gwanda District has recorded 2 568 deaths, Mangwe (1 433), Matobo (1 734), Bulilima (2 695), Insiza (2 367) and Umzingwane (390).

The cattle population in Matabeleland South is slightly above 600 000.

“I think efforts to bring relief were delayed. We were hopeful that we were going to receive survival feed as promised by Deputy Minister (Vangelis) Haritatos when he visited the province three months ago and stated that Matabeleland South would be allocated 200 000 tonnes of feed,” said Mr Muchemwa. Matabeleland South provincial crop and livestock officer Ms Simangaliphi Ngwabi said the situation in the province was dire.