By Shingirirai Mutonho

LOCAL livestock breeders will next month join specialists and researchers drawn from other African countries for a Livestock Conference set for Accra, Ghana.
The conference, organised by the International Livestock Research Institute will run from November 5 to 6 and will tackle issues on mainstreaming livestock value chains.
According to the Institute, the conference will focus on bridging research gaps between household analysis and policy modelling.
African countries are on a drive to grow the agriculture sector hence the conference comes at an opportune time providing stakeholders a platform to exchange ideas on boosting the livestock sub-sector.
Zimbabwe has emphasised the need to boost the agriculture sector with Government putting in place measures to achieve growth in the sector.
Agriculture accounts for 15 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and contributes 16 percent to export earnings.
Over the past years resettled farmers have shown a keen interest in commercial livestock production.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) second vice-president Berean Mukwende said local stakeholders must take advantage of gatherings such as the Livestock Conference.
“It is through such forums where our local farmers will learn from their counterparts on how to boost their operations,” said Mukwende.
“It is impressive that there is an increase in players in the livestock production sub-sector.”
The continuing increase in the uptake of commercial livestock production is in line with efforts by Government to preserve and boost the national herd which stands at five million.
Government plans to increase the herd to 25 million in the next 20 years.
Over the years, farmers’ efforts to grow the herd have been derailed by a number of challenges such as lack of adequate funding to purchase feeds, dipping chemicals and loss of livestock to thieves.
Mukwende said Government had made significant strides in supporting livestock farmers and assisting them whenever they face challenges.
One of the major challenges farmers have been facing has been that of stock-theft, Mukwende said.
In a move aimed to deter would-be offenders, Government has set stiffer penalties for the crime.
The harsh punishment is in line with the new sentencing guidelines in stock theft after law makers moved to change the law in response to the rising cases of cattle rustling.
For stealing one animal, one serves between nine and 25 years in prison.
Meanwhile, farmers have begun to prepare for the rain season which is synonymous with the spread of livestock disease.
Livestock farmers have lost animals to diseases that are prevalent during this time of the year.
Over 50 percent of livestock mortalities are caused by tick-borne diseases which are widely spread during the rain season.
Tick-borne diseases such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, theileriosis and heartwater as well as other tick-related diseases like senkobo, sweating sickness and tick paralysis are rife in most livestock rearing regions.
Mukwende said there was need for farmers to step up preparations to curb the spread of diseases.
“Farmers are aware of the diseases that affect animals during the rain season. However, as farmers’ representatives we continue to urge farmers to be on high alert and ensure they are prepared for the rains,” he said.
Livestock farmers have not been spared from the financial crisis precipitated by the illegal economic sanctions imposed against the country which have severely affected the economy.
Lack of funding to the sub-sector has resulted in farmers failing to purchase chemicals for dipping and containing disease outbreaks.
“Farmers are facing challenges as they do not have adequate funds to purchase chemicals. However, it is important that those that can afford start purchasing chemicals,” said Mukwende.
“In some instances farmers can take advantage of the dipping services provided by Government at local dipping areas.”
Government has in the past seasons through the veterinary department helped farmers vaccinate livestock for notifiable diseases such as anthrax, newcastle, rabies and foot and mouth.
Zimbabwe requires between 10 and 12 tonnes of dipping chemicals per month.
In the past Government used to supply dipping chemicals to communal and A1 farmers while commercial and A2 farmers purchased their own.
During the wet season, cattle are dipped once every week whereas in the dry season they are dipped once every fortnight.
The veterinary department last season raised concern over the failure by treasury to release funds for chemicals.
Government intends to introduce a livestock industry development fund to ensure that the sector is adequately funded.
Plans are underway to strengthen veterinary services through the promotion of the establishment of more veterinary infrastructure.