Cattle deaths in Zimbabwe rose to over 7000 from October to December of 2023 due to drought. This has been confirmed by The Famine Early Warning  Network ( FEWSNET). The phenomenon of El Nino induced cattle poverty deaths put many Zimbabwean farmers in a vulnerable position at the end of last year. The situation is however expected to improve following the ongoing rains.

The govermnent has since drilled boreholes nationwide to provide relief to cattle and humans alike. Hay bales and ZINWA Rigs were donated to the most vulnerable areas. Biomas seed was also donated to bring relief and provide nutritious feed to starving cattle. These measures have gone a long way in reducing the impact of this  crisis.

The Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Service (ARDAS) has reported that cattle deaths this season were at 7 643, with Matabeleland South the most affected having lost 4 432 livestock.  They were followed by Matabeleland North with 2 573, Midlands Province at 735 and Masvingo with 103 cattle dead. One can imagine the impact that these losses have had on small livestock farmers in Zimbabwe.