Boost for Chiredzi pastures

Chiredzi south Ward 10 Councillor, Leonard Makondo. Photo by Walter Mafeking, CAJ News Africa

Chiredzi south Ward 10 Councillor, Leonard Makondo. Photo by Walter Mafeking, CAJ News Africa

from WALTER MAFEKING in Chiredzi, Zimbabwe
CHIREDZI, (CAJ News) A trailblazing grass restoration project is set to replenish withered pastures in Chiredzi South.

The project is being spearheaded by villagers in Boli-Muhlanguleni area, who are concerned about the loss of hundreds of their cattle due to crippling droughts over the past few years.

Leonard Makondo, the councillor for Ward 10 said villagers decided to revamp the grasslands after noticing their area had been seriously affected by climate change.

“Having realised that we have been affected by severe climate change, the community called for a meeting where we all agreed to embark on the grass restoration project,” said Makondo.

“This is aimed at creating grazing land for our livestock since the area is dry. Farmers have lost a lot of cattle due to drought. This cannot be allowed to continue because cattle is their own source of wealth,” Makondo said.

The project entails burning unwanted bushes that are not suitable for grazing livestock, planting grass favoured by cattle and spreading of cow dung manure so that the seeds can thrive in the grass lands.

The grass restoration initiative has been timed to coincide with the onset of the rainy season so that the seeds can germinate and grow without difficulty.

“So far we have formed a committee responsible monitoring the project as well as mobilising members of the society.

“We also know that this process is demanding but we are confident that we can produce positive results that can help us save our livestock,” added Makondo.

– CAJ News

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