A new initiative by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is bringing hope to farming communities in Zimbabwe by revitalizing the livestock sector. The project, supported by USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), focuses on rehabilitating 40 dip tanks and drilling 20 boreholes across six districts: Chirumhanzu, Shurugwi, Mberengwa, Zvishavane, Insiza, and Umzingwane.
Livestock plays a vital role in Zimbabwean communities, providing income, draught power for farming, and supporting education expenses. However, aging infrastructure and water shortages have left cattle vulnerable to deadly tick-borne diseases like theileriosis, commonly known as “January disease.” These challenges have caused significant socio-economic hardships, including school dropouts and loss of income.
“When our cattle started dying, we lost not only our draught power but also our livelihood,” shared Oppa Chinhamhora, a traditional leader in Shurugwi. “Families were left with nothing to sell, and children had to leave school.”
The project, titled Mitigating the Impact of Livestock Diseases in Zimbabwe, is addressing these challenges through infrastructure upgrades and water accessibility. “In the past, we couldn’t dip our cattle regularly due to water shortages, leading to devastating livestock losses,” explained Kudakwashe Mafuta, Secretary of the Mupangai Livestock Development Committee in Shurugwi.
According to project coordinator Felistas Ndhlovu, essential repairs to dip tanks include upgrades to races, roofs, drying pens, and the construction of missing facilities like soak-away pits and tank sheds. Boreholes, some of which will be solar-powered, will provide water for livestock, irrigation, and household use, promoting resilience to climate change and food shortages.
“Access to water has been our biggest challenge,” said Loice Muza, a Veterinary Extension Supervisor. “The support from FAO and USAID is a game-changer, saving livestock and livelihoods.”
Dr. Lindsay Muchetu, Shurugwi District’s government veterinary officer, highlighted the broader benefits: “These boreholes will not only serve the dip tanks but also provide clean, safe drinking water for the community.”
The initiative also empowers women by creating local job opportunities during construction and easing the burden of water collection. Clara Sarema, a dip tank committee member, expressed optimism: “The new water source will help me start a small garden to feed my family and earn extra income.”
To ensure sustainability, the project is training local committees on governance and establishing revolving funds for dip tank maintenance. Insurance schemes and measures to prevent vandalism and theft are also being implemented. “Strengthening livestock development committees and local extension workers is critical for the long-term success of these interventions,” noted FAO livestock specialist Fortune Kachidza.
Farmers in Zimbabwe eagerly await the completion of these improvements, which promise to rebuild their livestock sector and secure their livelihoods. “This support is life-changing,” said Chinhamhora. “It will make a huge difference for our community and future generations.”