Hunger stalks Matabeleland villagers
Sunday, 10 April 2011 16:01
BY NDUDUZO TSHUMA
BULAWAYO — Matabeleland is set to face food shortages as crops in the region
have largely wilted due to moisture stress, it has been learnt.
Most parts of the country, including Matabeleland region, experienced a
prolonged dry spell at the beginning of the year resulting in most crops
wilting.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development last
month conducted a countrywide crop assessment exercise to gauge the effects
of the dry spell.
However, the report of the exercise that ended on March 31 has not been made
public.
Matabeleland South governor, Angeline Masuku could not give details on the
crop situation in her province this week, referring questions to provincial
Agritex officer Bernard Sibanda, who was said to be out of office. Sources,
within her office, however, said the situation in Matabeleland South was
dire.
“All the seven districts have been severely affected and you will find that
in places like Insiza, only three of its 23 wards have a good crop and the
rest is a disaster,” the official said.