Zimbabwean livestock farmers have been urged to prepare early for a possible severe El Niño season.
Authorities want farmers to secure enough livestock feed to last at least two years.
The warning follows forecasts of hotter and drier conditions during the 2026/27 agricultural season.
Dr Dumisani Kutywayo, DRESS chief director, urged farmers to strengthen livestock preparedness.
He spoke during the DRESS Programme 2 and 3 second-quarter review meeting in Harare.
Kutywayo said pasture protection and livestock management must receive greater attention this year.
“Farmers are being urged to stock sufficient feed reserves to last at least two years,” he said.
He also called for increased access to pasture seed across farming communities.
That move would help farmers produce fodder and reduce their reliance on natural grazing.
Meanwhile, authorities want farmers to consider livestock breeds that handle harsh conditions better.
Recommended breeds include Mashona, Boran, Tuli and Nguni cattle.
Government also plans to support the conservation and multiplication of indigenous livestock breeds.
These include indigenous chickens and goats, which have shown strong resilience during difficult seasons.
Government seeks to prevent another livestock crisis
Zimbabwe’s latest preparations reflect painful memories from previous droughts.
The country suffered major livestock losses during earlier El Niño-induced droughts.
Kutywayo warned that authorities must prevent a repeat of those devastating losses.
“During the 1991/1992 El Niño more than one million cattle reportedly died.
“During the 2023/2024 drought over 40 000 cattle deaths were recorded. We cannot afford to repeat these losses,” he said.
Therefore, officials want farmers to treat the latest forecast as an immediate risk.
Hotter weather could shrink grazing areas, reduce water supplies and weaken livestock productivity.
Additionally, drought conditions could increase pressure from pests and livestock diseases.
Authorities are strengthening early warning systems to help communities respond before conditions deteriorate.
The Government also wants farmers to adopt drought-tolerant traditional grains and early-maturing crops.
These measures could help households manage prolonged moisture shortages.
Furthermore, authorities are seeking stronger cooperation with development agencies and international organisations.
Such partnerships could support early action before drought conditions become critical.
Plans include pre-positioning drought-resistant seed, protecting livestock livelihoods and expanding water harvesting.
Irrigation development will also form part of the broader preparedness strategy.
Kutywayo urged officials to turn planning into practical action during the coming months.
Research, education and specialist services will play a key role in that preparedness drive.
Ultimately, Zimbabwe wants farmers to act before pasture and water shortages become severe.
The approach aims to protect livestock, household incomes and national food security from another major drought.
The post Farmers urged to stock two years’ livestock feed appeared first on iHarare News.
