VILLAGERS in Hwange district in Matabeleland North province are pleading for government’s intervention in mitigating the devastating effects of the El Niño-induced drought, which is ravaging villages with some people resorting to selling their livestock at reduced prices.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently declared the drought a national disaster as government pushes to mobilise at least US$2 billion to feed more than two million Zimbabweans who are said to be in need of food aid.
The challenges have been further worsened by a harsh economic climate characterised by the skyrocketing cost of living, piling more misery to ordinary people.
The introduction of a new currency has, for a moment, failed to make it better for the villagers, who are confused over its true value.
Villagers who spoke to Southern Eye last week said they were being forced to sell their livestock to avoid losses associated with the severe dry conditions that have ruined pastures.
Under normal conditions, cattle prices in Hwange district range from US$400 to US$500, while goats fetch at least US$50 depending on the area and breed, but due to the effects of drought, farmers are now forced to sell the animals at less than US$150 and US$20, respectively.
The villagers have also become susceptible to unscrupulous dealers who are taking advantage of the situation.
Thulani Muleya, a villager from Ndangababi village in ward 16, described the situation as dire, adding that they were facing unprecedented difficulties due to the drought.
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“We are in a dire situation as you understand that we did not receive enough rains. We are pleading with the government, particularly the President, to come to our rescue so that we can reach the next rainy season,” he said.
“As of now, we have not received any help from the government to protect our precious livestock.”
Muleya said the province had also been hit by severe water shortages, which could affect livelihoods.
Another villager from Kamativi confirmed the dire situation, adding that they needed help to save their livestock since it is their only investment.
They are, however, pinning their hopes on the re-opened Kamativi Mine, which was commissioned by Mnangagwa last Friday.
The mine is expected to construct a dam with a holding capacity 1,5 million cubic metres, with villagers expressing hope that the water body will reduce the shortages.
The mine has already employed about 1 200 people, with some of them having been drawn from local communities.
