Government has called for accelerated adoption of modern technologies in livestock management to boost productivity.
The call is particularly significant for Matabeleland South, a province renowned for its vast cattle herds and rich livestock heritage.
In Matabeleland South, farmers have long relied on traditional rearing methods to sustain livelihoods across its semi-arid expanses.
With ever-changing weather patterns that have left livestock farmers counting losses, authorities said there is a need for a paradigm shift.
Lands Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Ministry’s permanent secretry, Obert Jiri, emphasised the need for farmers to innovative livestock management systems designed to improve efficiency and sustainability
He highlighted the importance of embracing digital tools such as the Farm Ranger system, which is transforming livestock production through real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making.
“The Farm Ranger tool is a critical tool for management, allowing the farmer to track movement and what the livestock does on the farm,” Jiri said.
The system enables farmers to monitor livestock movement, manage dipping schedules, control grazing patterns and secure farm boundaries.
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This helps reduce stock theft, improve disease control and enhance overall herd productivity.
Jiri noted that adoption of such technologies is essential as the country moves to modernise its agricultural sector in response to climate change, rising input costs and the need for increased output.
He said traditional livestock management practices are no longer sufficient to sustain growth in a competitive and evolving agricultural environment.
“We must modernise livestock production systems to ensure efficiency, sustainability and increased output,” Jiri said.
Agricultural experts have previously called for the integration of technology into livestock systems to enhance decision-making, reduce losses and improve profitability, particularly for smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.
