Story by Theophilus Chuma
GOVERNMENT is stepping up climate-proofing measures in the livestock sector by expanding silage production programmes to protect farmers against the anticipated effects of an El Niño weather pattern during the 2026/27 summer cropping season.
With winter drawing to a close and grazing pastures becoming depleted, livestock farmers are being urged to build adequate feed reserves ahead of the lean season.
As forecasts point to a possible El Niño, farmers are being encouraged to adopt silage production as part of broader climate adaptation measures aimed at sustaining livestock production.
At George Morse Farm, silage production has become a key strategy to cushion livestock against changing weather patterns.
“We are trying to mitigate the changes that are happening to the climate because there will come a time when we do not have the maize plant, but with silage we can still achieve our goals. We have heeded Government’s call to climate-proof the sector and we are implementing this initiative on our farm as well,” said Farm Manager Mr Mkhululi Dube.
Government says silage production is one of its key interventions to reduce drought-induced feed shortages while improving milk and beef production.
The livestock sector remains a critical pillar of Zimbabwe’s agricultural industry, with authorities also focusing on improving fodder availability, strengthening dairy farming and supporting smallholder farmers.
Farmer Mr Paul Ellerman said the programme is already delivering positive results.
“Silage programmes are indeed a good initiative for us as farmers because we are seeing the benefits. It is an effective response to weather-related threats such as drought.”
Through the Presidential Silage Inputs Scheme, Government is supporting smallholder livestock farmers to improve resilience, strengthen food security, increase rural incomes and promote sustainable agricultural production.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said protecting the national herd remains a priority as the country prepares for the projected El Niño season.
“We certainly need to preserve our national herd, which currently stands at about 5.7 million cattle. Around one million are in Masvingo, nearly 900 000 in Midlands, followed by Matabeleland South and Matabeleland North. As we move into the El Niño season, feed becomes critically important.
“Silage production is one of the key interventions. Farmers who have already produced silage are well prepared, while others are producing surplus feed to support those who may not have the capacity to do so.
“Following the 2024 drought, Government identified 635 critical wards with livestock but limited feed resources. We are reassessing the situation this year and will establish ward drought mitigation centres where mobilised silage will be distributed to feed livestock in the most affected areas.”
Under the National Development Strategy 2, Government continues to invest in programmes aimed at strengthening livestock production, improving climate resilience and supporting agricultural growth.
