ZIMBABWE is stepping up efforts to halt the degradation of grazing lands, with government and research experts rolling out programmes to restore rangelands that support over half of the country’s cattle herd.
The push comes as overgrazing, soil erosion and erratic rainfall continue to threaten livestock productivity, especially in the drier southern provinces where communal farmers depend almost entirely on natural pastures.
According to authorities, protecting these ecosystems is central to both rural incomes and national food security.
Speaking on the initiative, Zimbabwe International Livestock Research Institute country representative Sikhalazo Dube said matching the right grass species to local conditions was key.
“It is important to protect our rangelands. You want to ensure you are using the right material for reseeding, bringing in vegetation that is good for the environment,” he said.
The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) is backing the drive with field research to identify drought tolerant grass suited to different agro-ecological regions.
“As Nust, we are helping farmers to preserve their rangelands by conducting research to find the type of vegetation that works best for their regions,” said Allan Sebata, acting dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology.
In a shift from past approaches, experts are using cattle to regenerate degraded land.
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The hardy Nguni breed has been selected for reseeding projects due to its adaptability and low impact on fragile soils.
“Cattle were once seen as the major contributor to grazing land degradation. But what we’re doing now is using livestock to regenerate that land,” said E-Livestock chairperson Max Makuvise.
Government says safeguarding the country’s drylands is a long-term investment.
Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development deputy minister Davis Marapira stressed that these areas must be preserved for future generations.
Communal farmers account for nearly 60% of Zimbabwe’s national livestock herd.
With beef and dairy production under pressure from climate shocks, officials warn that without urgent rangeland management, rural livelihoods and meat supply chains remain at risk.
The renewed focus aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader agricultural recovery strategy, which aims to increase livestock output and reduce import dependency over the next five years.
