By Chipfuwo Agriscientist |29 May 2024 | 09:00 am

Statistics have shown that more than 1.3 million cattle will suffer between June and October due to El Nino induced drought. This does not only affect cattle but all ruminant animals like small stock that are heavily reliant on pasture/ rangeland products.

Mr. Chenjerai of Masvingo North demonstrating small scale hay making techniques. Photo Credit: Ms. Tifare M.

Smallholder and rural animal farmers will be heavily affected due to use of common resources that are difficult to manage in community set-ups. High incidences of fire, lack of knowledge and poor resource mobilisation at plot holder level will exacerbates the El nino induced animal nutrition challenges.

Now more than ever, is the time for animal farmers to embrace the sustainable on-farm animal nutrition practises such as hay and silage making from crop residues and veld grasses. It goes without saying that mechanisation is key for simplicity of farm activities. However, they are simple techniques applicable to farmers with access to limited resources. It only takes one to think outside the box and appreciate available resources at farm/ plot level.

Our agriscience consulting team was travelling from Masvingo and met with a highly innovative man: Mr Chenjerai along Masvingo-Harare Highway. He is using a simple technology to preserve the quality and quantity of veld hay. Yes, there are other methods of adding value to the harvested forage like urea treatment etc but it all starts with understanding simple techniques of harvesting (the grass) and timing.

Enjoy this exciting episode of Chipfuwo and Chirimwa: The Agriscience Focus https://youtu.be/l7DenMYJsrQ?si=LRi6gyKaEhdlzzRP and more to come as we visit farmers to share on our agriscience expertise.

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Chipfuwo Agriscientist…

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Chipfuwo and Chirimwa: The Agriscience Focus is a weekly agriscience article extracted from Chipfuwo Agriscience®️ field files. It focuses on critical analysis of challenges faced by farmers based on the company’s consultancy work.

Email: consult@chipfuwo.co.zw