Boost For Zimbabwe’s Livestock Sector

By Shingirayi Vambe

BULAWAYO– Government has received 40 mobile chaff cutters from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in a bid to strengthen the country’s agricultural sector and address livestock feed shortages caused by the ongoing El Niño-induced drought.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), focuses on improving the nutritional value of livestock feed by distributing the mobile chaff cutters to farmer field schools across five provinces.

This will enhance feed production for livestock, especially in areas hardest hit by the drought.

A chaff cutter is a mechanical device used to cut straw or hay into smaller pieces, making it easier to mix with other forage for livestock feed.

The equipment will help farmers improve the quality of available feed and ensure their livestock receive better nutrition.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Office Director for the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) at USAID, Amber Palvin, emphasized the importance of the donation in enhancing livestock nutrition across the country.

“I’m happy to provide this equipment to the people of Zimbabwe through our collaboration with FAO and the government of Zimbabwe. These chaff cutters will help improve livestock feed and, ultimately, livestock health,” said Palvin.

In addition to the chaff cutters, USAID and FAO have also funded borehole drilling to supply water for dip tanks, which play a crucial role in controlling livestock diseases.

Deputy Director of BHA, Ahmadou Ndiade, explained that the equipment was part of USAID’s broader support for El Niño disaster response.

“Livestock is a critical livelihood for many regions, particularly in Matabeleland South and other areas in Regions 4 and 5. This intervention helps support those livelihoods by addressing feed shortages and improving livestock care,” said Ndiade.

He also noted that the equipment could generate income for local farmers, helping them build more sustainable livelihoods.

“We hope this contribution will go a long way in helping communities develop sustainable income streams by using these machines,” he added.

In response, Deputy Director of Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS), Mukhunjulelwa Ndlovu, outlined the project’s rollout in Matabeleland South, where farmer field schools will be established in every village to encourage innovation and knowledge sharing among farmers.

“These schools will serve as platforms for farmers to exchange ideas and enhance their farming practices. With proper training, farmers can produce up to 50 tonnes of biomass feed,” Ndlovu said.

The deputy director stressed the importance of changing the mindset of local farmers, encouraging them to view the chaff cutters as business tools rather than donations.

“This machine can be commercialized, adding value to locally available resources like grass and trees to meet the nutritional needs of livestock. The initiative will play a vital role in addressing the challenges caused by the drought,” he said.

He further highlighted the need to strengthen livestock village business units, where the government is already providing clean water for both livestock and people.

“We’re seeing positive changes in our livestock as a result of this intervention. Now, we need to support village business units to ensure sustainability in the livestock sector,” Ndlovu concluded.