Goho kuvanhu, mashanga kumombe

Harvests to the people and fodder for the cattle

“Goho kuvanhu, mashanga kumombe” means “Harvests to the people and fodder for the cattle” explains Thembinkosi Nyathi, our Communications Officer in Zimbabwe. This is the motto that has been adopted by farmers in Mbire District, an arid area of Zimbabwe where Practical Action has been working with farmers and their livestock.

With improved livestock management and feed cattle are in better condition, resulting in better prices at market.

One such farmer is Noel Zune. He recalls how Practical Action came to his rural community and helped to improve his livestock through better feeding practices and by increasing the available crops, suitable for both human and animal needs.

“We started off by receiving seed inputs for cowpeas, sorghum and guar beans in 2007 when the project started, and in addition to these, we also received training in agricultural techniques, livestock management and feeding practices.”

With rainfall of less than 350mm per year, people struggle to make a living from the land in this area. Livestock, mainly cattle, play a vital role as a source of meat, milk and manure. But with increasing droughts and loss of grazing, cattle struggle to thrive and their value decreases.

James Machingura, a Livestock Development Officer with a local development organisation, says: “Most of the animals here in Mbire rely on natural pastures that are communally owned. But these grazing areas are generally poor in quality and due to lack of control they are overgrazed. During the dry season cattle do not have enough feed to maintain a good condition.”

Working in the rural community Practical Action has developed partnerships with five other development organisations to significantly improve food security and opportunities to earn a living for a target of at least 1,100 farmers in the seven wards of Mbire.

Now Noel proudly notes: “Productivity has increased and the body condition of our cattle has also improved. As a result, the farmers are getting better prices for the animals they put on the market. When they harvest, they get food for themselves and at the same time, crop residues are preserved on racks for feeding cattle during the dry season.”

Noel’s herd of cattle has increased from seven to 16 healthy animals since 2007. His crop yields have risen from an average of 150kgs sorghum to at least 400kgs. Since the project started, the improved health of the cattle has increased their reproductive rate from below 20% to 55%, and milk yields have risen from one litre per day for a mature cow to 2.5 litres per day.