Hunger stalks Matabeleland
Rumbidzai Mhlanga
Villagers in drought-prone Matabeleland might need food aid as the dry spell persists, giving rise to fears of hunger.
Participants in the ‘Ilihlo Lemaphandleni,’ radio show hosted by Community Podium said food aid is a must to protect them from the effects of poor rainfall.
“Due to lack of rainfall, our crops are dying. I strongly urge the government to start donating food to communities. Pastures and dams have dried up and that spells doom for our livestock,” said Ward 9 Councillor for Tsholotsho, Essau Siwela.
Matobo Ward 12 Councillor, Ernest Ncube said his community, which did not expect the long dry spell, is in panic mode. “…very soon, starvation will hit most families,” he said.
Mr Obert Dube from Lupane declared 2022 ‘a year of drought’ which will see rural people suffering the most. He said most of them could be forced to sell their livestock at giveaway prices.
Sales Agronomist at Charter Seeds, Nobuhle Dlodlo advised farmers to make use of drought resistant crops. “Farmers should listen to weather reports to know which crops to plant. Crops like rapoko which do not need a lot of water are ideal for these conditions. Using irrigation systems and mulching could also help villagers to at least put food on their tables,” she said.
A World Food Program report released late last year projected that the January to March 2022 lean season would result in about 27% of rural food insecure Zimbabweans.
