Results
Title

Mitigating the effects of drought on cattle production in communal rangelands of Zimbabwe.

Authors

Matope, Alphonce; Zindove, Titus J.; Dhliwayo, Marshall; Chimonyo, Michael

Abstract

The objective of the study was to examine strategies employed by farmers to mitigate the effects of drought on cattle production in communal rangelands of Zimbabwe. Data were collected from a total of 316 communal cattle farming households selected from semi-arid and sub-humid environments (158 each) using structured questionnaires. Farmers in sub-humid environments mostly resorted to controlled migration in search of pastures during drought whilst those in semi-arid environments mainly supplemented their cattle (P 0.05). Mashona cattle were the most preferred breed (P > 0.05). Conformation traits were less preferred in both environments (P < 0.05). It was concluded that communal cattle producers in both environments use dietary supplementation with crop residues and controlled migration in search of pastures and water to mitigate drought effects. Given the shortcomings associated with drought mitigation strategies being used by communal cattle farmers, current findings suggest the need to design and implement sustainable strategies such as breeding cattle for drought resilience and selective supplementary feeding.

Subjects

ZIMBABWE; DROUGHT management; CATTLE feeding & feeds; RANGELANDS; CATTLE; CATTLE breeds; DROUGHTS; CROP residues

Publication

Tropical Animal Health & Production, 2020, Vol 52, Issue 1, p321

ISSN

0049-4747

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.1007/s11250-019-02020-y