mbulelo smpofu
Raymond Jaravaza, raymondjaravaza@gmail.com
THE recent downgraded Cyclone Chido brought a glimmer of hope to farmers in Zimbabwe’s southern regions.
The much-needed rainfall has rejuvenated crops, pastures, and water sources, providing relief from the soaring temperatures experienced over the past few weeks.
The dry spell threatened to cause severe moisture stress to crops and livestock deaths due to the dwindling pastures and drying water sources.
Fortunately, Cyclone Chido, although dissipated, delivered significant rainfall to parts of Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, Midlands, Masvingo, and Matabeleland North provinces.
The rain started over the weekend in Bulawayo, bringing relief to farmers like Mr Obert Mlalazi from the Redwood area of Umguza District.
“The first rains in November gave us some hope, but the last three weeks were tough with high temperatures and no rainfall. The current rains are a welcome relief, and our cattle will no longer have to walk long distances for water, and the pastures will improve, benefiting the general health of the animals,” he said.
At Cement Siding, farm workers took advantage of the moisture to remove weeds from carrot fields.
A farm worker, who only identified himself as Mr Mpofu, said neighbouring farmers had already begun planting maize and groundnuts.
“The fields were dry before the rains and it was difficult to pull out weeds from the carrot field. Some of our neighbours have already started planting crops such as maize and groundnuts,” said a farm worker.
Urban farmers in suburbs such as Mahatshula, Killarney, Magwegwe, Emganwini, Pumula, and Nketa also seized the opportunity to plant maize.
Mr Alwyne Mahamba, who farms along the Bulawayo-Harare Road, shared his optimism.
“We dug Intwasa holes last month, but the rains disappeared, so we couldn’t plant. Now that the rains are back, we’re planting maize, sweet potatoes, and beans,” he said.
Matabeleland North’s acting provincial director for the Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services, Mr Thulani Ndlovu, said the recent rains have brought optimism to farmers and communities across the provinces.
He said 90 percent of the province received rainfall with totals ranging from 15mm to 40mm. However, parts of Binga and Hwange remain dry and hot.
“To farmers who have not yet planted, we advise planting short-season crop varieties to ensure harvest by March. We also recommend traditional grains, sweet potatoes, sunflower, and sugar beans,” he said.
Mr Ndlovu said no crop losses had been recorded due to moisture stress, and the rains are expected to improve livestock conditions as pastures and water sources replenish.
“We also expect the body conditions of livestock to improve due to improved pastures and easily accessible water in rivers, streams, and dams.
Our hope is for the rainfall to continue for the next few days and we will see a great improvement in the conditions of livestock and pastures,” he said.
According to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD), Cyclone Chido’s intensity diminished as it moved inland, with increased friction reducing wind speeds and rainfall.
Civil Protection Unit director, Mr Nathan Nkomo, said: “We expect moderate rainfall ranging from 30mm to 80mm across much of the country as moisture from the cyclone interacts with the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which typically brings rain to Zimbabwe in mid-December.”
