The Chronicle

BULAWAYO, Monday, March 15, 1992 — About 300 cattle have died since the beginning of this year in Gwanda district and hundreds more are expected to die within the next few months because of the drought, says the district Agricultural Extension officer, Mr Emmanuel Jinja.

Mr Jinja said 151 cattle had died in February while 116 died this month. During the same period 66 goats and 27 sheep died. Mr Jinja said even donkeys which normally can adapt to dry conditions, have died. Eleven donkeys died last month.

“The most affected animals are cows which are lactating, they have no food reserves and energy, so most of them are in a terrible state. They are going to die soon for lack of food,” he said.

Reports from farmers throughout the district indicated that during three cattle sales the Cold Storage Commission had rejected 50 percent of the cattle brought to sale pens because they were in a poor shape.

“As there was no rain this year cattle have to travel longer distances to find water. This also makes their condition deteriorate faster as they have to use their meagre energy reserves for travelling. Most cattle in the district have to move an average of five kilometres to get to water,” said Mr Jinja.

This year the commercial and resettlement farmers were also seriously affected by the drought, unlike in other years.

Gwanda district had 72 cattle feeding groups of farmers who are especially trained by Agritex officials to keep their cattle in good condition even during drought through pen feeding.