Eswatini farmers urged to sell livestock as drought kills over 50 cattle
Shiselweni Region faces severe water and pasture shortages, impacting livestock health and productivity.
Farmers in Eswatini's Shiselweni Region are being urged to sell their livestock as over 50 cattle have died due to drought conditions. The figure was revealed at an emergency stakeholder meeting in Nhlangano yesterday. Severe shortages of grazing pasture and drinking water have led to poor cattle body conditions, increased drought-related abortions, and reduced productivity.
Shiselweni Regional Veterinary Officer Dr. Allen Simbai Maruve stated that Hluti reported 10 to 20 cattle deaths in the worst-affected communities, with Lavumisa experiencing more than 20 deaths. Dip tanks in Hluti, such as Tsekwane and Qomintaba, face critical stress, while Lavumisa faces acute livestock water shortages impacting multiple dip tanks. Common challenges include pasture depletion, drying water sources, and increased disease susceptibility.
Dr. Maruve called for immediate emergency assistance over the next three months, including feed support like hay bales and mineral licks, and water support such as tankers and rehabilitation of water points. Medium-term priorities include water infrastructure development, borehole drilling, and solar-powered pumping systems.