Year

Title

Authors

Abstract

Journal

2011

Understanding community perceptions of land use changes in the rangelands, Zimbabwe

Andrew Sibanda, Sabine Homann-Kee Tui,

André van Rooyen, John Dimes, Daniel Nkomboni and Givious Sisito.

The objective of this study was to investigate the user communities’ understanding and interpretation of changes in rangeland use and productivity in the communal lands of Zimbabwe. While external knowledge has been instrumental in defining the drivers and effects of ecological changes hitherto, the role of local knowledge is becoming increasingly important in explaining factors that inform user community perceptions and guide their decisions on the use of rangeland resources. Data on community perceptions were collected in four villages, using Participatory Rural Appraisals in each village and household surveys with a total of 104 households. This study showed that user communities in Nkayi district differentiate rangelands among seven categories of livestock feed resources and how these have changed over time. Communities viewed rangelands not as one continuous, designated and specialized land parcel, but differentiated the land by location, productivity, management and uses in different times of the year. Although land use changes affecting these livestock feed resources were considered to be widespread and multi-directional (both negative and positive) they did not cause widespread degradation. Rangelands converted to croplands were not completely lost, but became important dual purpose land parcels fulfilling both household food security needs and dry season livestock feed requirements. The importance of croplands as a feed resource is reflected in the emergence of new institutions governing their use for livestock grazing and to guarantee security of tenure. On the other hand institutions governing the use of common property rangelands decreased or weakened in their application. The study concludes that while this situation presents ecological challenges for the rangelands, it offers opportunities to find innovative ways of utilizing croplands as the new frontier in the provision of dry season feed resources to smallholder farmers in highly variable environments. Implications for livestock water productivity need to be investigated and water saving technologies should be promoted in the land use intensification processes.

Experimental Agriculture, Volume 47 / Supplement S1/ January 2011, pp 153-168

2011

Heavily stocked 5-paddock rotational grazing effect on cross-bred Afrikaner steer performance and herbaceous vegetation dynamics in a semi-arid veld of Zimbabwe.

Moyo B., Dube S., Moyo C. and Nesamvuni E.  

A ten-year high stocking rate trial, mimicking communal areas was initiated at Matopos Research Station, Zimbabwe. Afrikaner steer crosses grazed continuously or rotationally at a high stocking rate (0.4 LU.ha^-1) in two 45 ha areas, with one fenced into five 9 ha camps each for the rotational grazing sites, with 30 animals per site. It was hypothesized that, heavily stocked rotation will not improve herbage biomass, decreaser species abundance, basal cover or animal performance. Biomass, basal cover and decreaser species abundance were not (P > 0.05) significantly different between the grazing systems, save for Themeda triandra, Setari incrassata and Panicum novemnerve, but were significant (P < 0.05) in terms of annual variation. Mean maximum steer weight gain was higher (P < 0.05) under continuous grazing. It was concluded that, the creation of rigid rotational grazing schemes in communal areas without proper stocking rates will not improve animal performance, herbage production, basal cover, but might have an effect on species abundance. In higher rainfall years, heavy stocking has no adverse effects on performance. Hence, any plans of grazing interventions on livestock management in communal areas, should consider stocking rate and rainfall, with a rapid stock reduction strategy in projected low rainfall years. 

African Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 6 (10), pp. 216-217.

2011

Sex specific genetic and environmental trends for birth weight in indigenous Nguni conservation cattle herd of Zimbabwe

Assan N., Dube B., Ngwenya S., Nyoni K., Tambo G. and Matshe F.

Best linear unbiased predictors (BLUP) of breeding values for additive direct and additive maternal genetic effects were estimated from pedigree birth weight (BWT) records 4272 in indigenous Nguni cattle born between 1988 and 1997. Data was partitioned according to sex and breeding values for direct additive and maternal additive were estimated using a univariate animal model. Estimates of sex specific genetic trends for direct and maternal effects were obtained by averaging corresponding breeding values for partitioned data for animals born in a given year, and regressing these averages on their year of birth. The regression of average direct breeding values on year for males and females was –0.0236 kg/yr and –0.1263 kg/yr, respectively, and the regression of average maternal breeding values on year of birth were -0.0355 kg/yr and –0.0173 kg/yr for males and females, respectively. Environmental trends observed a positive trend for both sexes but was non significant. Estimation of sex specific variance components had no significant influence on the direction and magnitude of genetic trends and indication of homogeneity of variance by sex for birth weight in this population.

Journal of Cell and Animal Biology Vol.5 (2), pp.20–26

2011

Gendered livelihood implications for improvements of livestock water productivity in Zimbabwe.

Senda Trinity S., Peden D., Homann-Kee-Tui S., Sisito G.,   van Rooyen A. and Sikosana J. L. N.

Scarcity, lack of access, and ineffective and inefficient use of water in Nkayi District, Zimbabwe, threaten agricultural production. The purpose of this study is to augment understanding of opportunities to increase livestock water productivity (LWP) in Nkayi District by taking into account key differences in the capacities, opportunities, and needs of women and men. There are two important types of female-headed households, de facto and de jure. The results from this study showed that male-headed and de facto and de jure female-headed households share much in common. They all had similar areas of cropland and access to education, finances, veterinary and extension services, and transportation and markets. Households of all types had similar herd sizes. All were desperately poor with incomes much less than a dollar a day. To rise out of poverty, the knowledge, skills and effort of all household heads will be needed. In spite of severe poverty, household heads of all types are literate and have sufficient education that can help enable adoption of intervention options that can lead to increased agricultural production and improved livelihoods. The results also showed that major differences exist in terms of the roles of men and women in ownership, management and decision making related to livestock keeping and animal production. Men clearly dominate in both ownership and decision making even though women play a major role in animal management. Only in de jure female-headed households were women more likely than men to own cattle and goats. They were also more likely to be involved in farming as a primary livelihood activity. Surprisingly, men were more likely to be involved in animal management in these de jure female-headed households. Women were also excluded from water users' and livestock producers' associations although a minority of men was members. By not involving the already-developed capacity of women, the community loses out on a significant opportunity to increase LWP and animal production more widely. Greater inclusion of women in decision making will be an important part of future efforts to improve livelihoods through livestock development.

Experimental Agriculture, 47: 169-181.

2012

The evaluation of dry season nutritive value of dominant and improved grasses in fallows in Chivi district, Zimbabwe.

Tavirimirwa B., Manzungu E. and Ncube Sharai

Five dominant (Cynodon dactylon, Perotis patens, Digitaria eriantha, Brachiaria brizantha, Hypethelia dissoluta) and two improved grasses (Pennisetum purpureum and Cynodon nlemfluensis) were compared for their nutritive value in Chivi district in terms of crude protein(CP), ash, dry matter(DM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF). The AOAC (1990) procedure was used to assess CP, ash and DM while NDF and ADF were estimated using the Van Soest et al., (1991) procedure. Significant differences were observed in the nutritive value of improved and dominant grasses. Cynodon nlemfluensis (5.54 % CP, 39.04 % ADF and 59.11 % NDF) and P. Purpureum (5.35 % CP, 39.17 % ADF and 56.80 % NDF) had significantly higher CP values and lower ADF values in comparison with dominant grasses, C. dactylon (3.75 % CP, 44.13%ADF and 66.00 % NDF), D. eriantha (2.21 % CP, 48.78 % ADF and 69.04 % NDF), P patens (3.51% CP, 47.51 % ADF and 70.31 % NDF), B. brizantha (2.37 % CP, 50.95 % ADF and 67.00 % NDF) and H. dissoluta (2.10 % CP, 44.49 % ADF and 67.24%NDF). In terms of CP content comparisons, improved grasses have the potential to increase the carrying capacity of the fallows. It was concluded that the improved species have high nutritive value compared to the dominant grasses therefore have the potential to improve forage quality in terms nutritive value in fallow fields in Chivi.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 2(6): 470-474. http://www.science-line.com/index/; http://www.ojafr.ir

2012

Spatio-temporal dynamics in rangeland structure and function in semi-arid Savanna: Case study of Matopos Research Institute Grazing Area: Zimbabwe.

Mwembe R.

Semi-arid savanna rangeland temporal dynamics assessment was done at Matopos Research Institute grazing area using remote sensing data. Landcover classes change as a proportion of the farm size was used to assess the dynamics of the ecosystem structure while NDVI was used as a proxy for net primary productivity to assess ecosystem function dynamics. LandSat images from 1990 to 2010 were used to assess landcover classes’ change over twenty years and SPOT VEG for Africa data set was used to assess NDVI dynamics from 1998 to 2009. Annual rainfall distribution over the period 1980 to 2012 and woody species composition in the two veld types assessment was also done. The rangeland was classified into five basic landcover classes: Acacia, Woodland, Grassland, Thickets and Bare classes. Overall landcover proportions significantly (p < 0.05) changed for the period 1990 to 2010. Acacia landcover class had a significant (p < 0.05) positive net change from 1990 to 2000 (13.61% - 54.08%) while the Bare land cover class had a non-significant (p > 0.05) positive change during the same periods (1.22% - 4.35%). On the other hand, Grass landcover class had a non-significant (p > 0.05) negative net change (34.5% - 18.81%) while the Woodlands and the Thickets landcover class had a significant (p < 0.05) negative change over the same period. Temporal NDVI values had a significant (p< 0.05) change and positive linear correlation (r² = 58.68%; p < 0.05) with the annual rainfall over the period 1998 to 2009. Wettest years had the highest annual NDVI (year 2000) while driest year had the lowest NDVI (2002). In addition, poor grouping was observed for the NDVI twelve years series. Lastly, acacia species were dominant in both veld types with more mature woody species in the thornveld dominated by Acacia nilotica than the sandveld that was dominated by Acacia karroo. Therefore, the semi-arid rangeland spatio-temporal structure and function changes are highly variable affected by the mean annual rainfall.

MSc. Thesis. University of Zimbabwe, Harare.

2012

Effect of soil fertility on the establishment potential and herbage quality of forage species grown in different fallows in Chivi district, Zimbabwe.

TavirimirwaB.

Three experiments were conducted to assess effect of soil fertility on establishment and growth of forage grass and legume species in fallow lands in Chivi district, Zimbabwe. In experiment one, biomass production and grazing capacity of five dominant grasses (Cynodon dactylon, Perotis patens, Digitaria eriantha, Brachiaria brizantha, Hypethelia dissoluta) in fields of different fallow periods was determined. A completely randomized design with fallow period as treatments (0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-10 years, 11-20 years and uncultivated (control) was used to compare herbage yield(DM Kg/ha) and grazing capacity(LU/ha). In the second experiment, two legumes (Neonotonia wightii and Desmodium uncinatum) and two grasses (Pennisetum purpureum and Cynodon nlemfluensis) were planted in watered plastic pots in a factorial design with different forage species and soil from fields of different fallow period as factors, to assess their establishment and growth(height change, leaf, tiller count and biomass production). In study three, dominant grasses (C. dactylon, P. patens, D. eriantha, B. brizantha, H. dissoluta) and improved grasses (P. purpureum and C. nlemfluensis) grown in Chivi district were assessed in terms of crude protein(CP), ash, dry matter(DM), neutral detergent fibre(NDF) and acid detergent fibre(ADF). The AOAC (1990) procedure was used to assess CP while NDF and ADF were estimated using the Van Soest et al., (1991) procedure. Fallow period was found not to have any significant effect (P>0.05) on biomass production which ranged from 105 to 159.98 kg DM/ha. Grazing capacity ranged between 34.5 ha/LU and 67.4 ha/LU across fallow periods, and was lower than recommended grazing capacity of between 12ha/LU and 20ha/LU for the region. Soil fertility was low across fallows. Forage establishment was not significantly different across fallow periods but was significantly different between species. Growth (height change, leaf and tiller count) and biomass production differed significantly (P<0.05) between fallow period and plant species. There was 100% establishment, 33 cm change in plant height, 7.29 tiller count, 39 leaf count 1890.57DM Kg/ha observed in C. nlemfluensis indicating better establishment potential compared to other species. Significant differences were observed in nutritive value of dominant and introduced species. Cynodon nlemfluensis (5.54% CP, 39.04% ADF and 59.11% NDF) and P. purpureum (5.35% CP, 39.17% ADF and 56.80% NDF) species had significantly higher (P <0.05) CP values and lower ADF and NDF values in comparison with dominant species. The study concluded that biomass production of dominant grasses in fallows in Chivi is low which raises the need to reinforce with improved forages to improve grazing capacity. Soil fertility characterising the fallows cannot support forage establishment and growth but among the species evaluated, C. nlemfluensis have the greatest potential to establish successfully. Improved grasses are of high nutritive value than grasses dominant in fallows in Chivi and have the potential to improve grazing capacity.

MSc. Thesis. University of Zimbabwe, Harare.

2012

Farmer’s resource flow decisions on farm-level interventions on livestock water productivity: a conceptual model approach

Sisito G., Chinofunga P. T., Sikosana J., Govere W. D., van Rooyen A. F. and Charumbira W. F.

Across sub-saharan Africa water related poverty occurs because farmers lack dependable water resources and capacity to use them. Improvement in agricultural water management offer opportunities in poverty alleviation at farm-level. An integrated framework was developed to identify sets of options as interventions for different farmer profiles in mixed crop-livestock systems. A combination of participatory rural appraisal (PRAs), household survey and gap analysis tools were used in Nkayi district, Zimbabwe to quantify the current crop and livestock production levels. The tools used identified gaps in animal health management, improved feeding, livestock sales and poor crop yields between different farmer wealth profiles in terms of mortalities, poor crop yield, reduced crop and livestock sales, poor feed quality and quantity. Interventions in terms of improved feed sourcing, improved animal health, soil fertility management and access to markets are possible solutions to the challenges faced by the different farmer profiles. If farmers’ different levels and capacities in terms of resources available are taken into consideration, there is a chance to improve the livestock water productivity at farm-level in semi-arid Zimbabwe.

Online International Journal of Mathematical Archive, 3 (4):1336-1341, www.ijma.info

2012

Impact of maternal effects on ranking of animal models in genetic parameter estimation for 18-months weight in indigenous Tuli cattle of Zimbabwe.

Assan N., Masache A. and Tambo G.

Maternal effects have been reported using different animal models for post weaning growth traits in some cattle breeds. Variance components for additive direct, additive maternal, permanent environmental maternal effects, the covariance between additive direct and maternal effects were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood, fitting five animal models from 2978 of 18 months (18MW) weight pedigree records of indigenous Tuli cattle of Zimbabwe. All investigated models included a random direct genetic effect, but different combinations of random maternal genetic and permanent environmental effects as well as for direct maternal genetic covariance. The direct heritability (h2a) was constant (0.10) when the maternal genetic effects were included in the model, while (h2a) estimates were higher (0.22) and (0.63) when maternal effects were excluded. The maternal heritability (h2m) was (0.23) and higher than the direct heritability (0.10) when only maternal genetic effects were included in the model and did not change even when the permanent environmental effects of the dam was added. The permanent environmental effect of the dam was negligible and a strong positive correlation between direct and maternal genetic effects (σ2am) was observed. The strong positive genetic correlation between direct and maternal genetic effects would not limit the effective utilization of both direct and maternal effects in selection for 18MW growth in indigenous Tuli cattle. A simple animal model with additive direct genetic effects as the only random effect would be appropriate for genetic evaluation of 18MW in indigenous Tuli cattle.

International Journal of Plant, Animal and Environmental Sciences 2 (4) Oct-December 2012 http://www.ijpaes.com/admin/php/uploads/251_pdf.pdf

2012

Zhombwe (Neorautanenia brachypus (Harms) C.A. Sm.) – A Recent Discovery for Mitigating Effects of Drought on Livestock in Semi-arid Areas of Southern Africa

C. Murungweni, J.A. Anderssona, M. T. van Wijka, I. Gwitirac, and K.E. Giller

In semi-arid areas drought results in cattle death making people vulnerable to poverty. Drought conditions are set to increase, as climate change is increasingly becoming an important threat to food security. In southern Africa, people recently discovered Neorautanenia brachypus as an important medicinal feed that they now use to help cattle survive drought. N. brachypus was evaluated with the aim of providing scientific substantiation of peoples’ claims by determining extent of its use, feed and anthelmintic value and the ecological characteristics that explain its distribution. Information on characteristics and use of N. brachypus was gathered from focus group discussions and the semi-quantitative survey that employed structured interviews with both closed and open questions. The results showed that N. brachypus is used during drought by 59% of cattle owners, 14.5% do not use it because they have alternative grazing and 26.5% did not know it can be used as cattle feed. Feed value of N. brachypus was evaluated as well as the anthelmintic value in the feeding trials with cattle and goats. N. brachypus contain adequate nutrients to maintain ruminant livestock during a drought. Infected animals fed on N. brachypus ended with less strongyloid worm infection in small ruminants (P < 0.05) and in large ruminants (P < 0.01) similar to animals dosed with the conventional recommended drugs. In the natural environment, N. brachypus was more commonly found in Eutric vertisols and Chromic luvisols than in Ferric arenosols and Leptosols, more in open spaces than in closed forests and more in cultivated areas than in naturally vegetated areas. It grows in a range of different types of soils and management affects its abundance. Ethnobotanical studies can offer important options on adaptation of human livelihoods to climate change.

Ethnobotany Research and Applications.10:199-212

2012

Supporting climate resilience in Zimbabwean livestock

Dahwa E., Mudzengi C. P., Ncube S. and Sikosana J. L. N.

Livestock production is increasing throughout Africa, driven by human population growth, improving living standards and urbanization. Scientists in Southern Africa and elsewhere focusing on climate change and agriculture are increasingly demonstrating how livestock, as a highly climate sensitive sector, may be affected by climate change. In Zimbabwe recurrent droughts and declining crop yields are beginning to make negative impacts on livestock production. Paper draws on knowledge from DR&SS livestock Institutes supported projects and programmes in Zimbabwe, and it documents some of the experiences and the lessons learnt in addressing livestock and climate change. Examined is the development of the use of adapted livestock breeds (eg Mashona, Nguni, Tuli cattle and Small east African and Matebele goats). Further it explores on the development of relevant fodder production and conservation technologies (silages and hays from eg cactus, bana, urea treatment of crop residues etc) and lastly on Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The paper builds on these concepts and strategies to provide recommendations for project design, together with possible solutions promoting both adaptation and mitigation activities in development projects. The livestock sector in Zimbabwe can be fully climate resilient if locally grown forages used in conjunction with suitable local breeds and IKS are fully employed. It is now apparent that the effects of global climate change are now with us.

Proceedings of the UNDP/GEF/ EMA National Climate Change Symposium, HICC, Harare 6-8 June 2012.

2012

Influence of grazing on herbaceous vegetation and soils in dambo wetlands of Zimuto, Masvingo district of Zimbabwe

Dahwa E.

Wetlands provide important ecosystem functions and values, such as wildlife habitat, water filtration and flood protection. Wetland plant communities play an essential role in maintaining these functions but are thought to be increasingly threatened by human modifications of the landscape such as deforestation, construction and overgrazing. A comparative analysis of results revealed that there are apparent significant changes to vegetation underway within and among grazed and ungrazed sites (P < 0.05). In communal grazed sites, changes suggest that plant communities are converting from floristically diverse dambo wetlands of good grazing to communities dominated by low forage value grasses like Eragrostis species, these changes are also concurrent with changes in soil types and properties. There are several similarities in both soils and vegetation between studied sites indicating possibility of same origins but differences in level of management. Nutrients are the most important predictors of plant species richness within most functional groups. In addition physiographic factors like pH and soil basic infiltration rates are significant in shaping up plant communities. Interactions between these factors also very important and play a major role. These results suggest that current management practices of dambos in the communal setup are inadequate and needs regulation if sound conservation measures are to be adopted.  

Master of Science thesis-University of Zimbabwe, Harare

2013

Woody species composition and structure in a semi–arid environment invaded by Dichrostachys cinerea (l.) Wight & Arn (Fabaceae)

Mudzengi C. P, Kativu S., Murungweni C., Dahwa E., Poshiwa X. and Shoko M. D.

Invasive plant species are a key factor of universal environmental change. They threaten global biodiversity and cause ecosystem degradation. The impacts of Dichrostachys cinerea on native woody species diversity, floristic composition and vegetation structure were determined. The study also assessed the dynamics and extent of invasion (population size, relative abundance, size class distribution and recruitment capacity) of D. cinerea. Forty woody species were identified in the study area. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in woody species canopy cover, basal area, abundance, richness, density and height classes between invaded and uninvaded sites. Height classes showed that most woody plants were saplings followed by shrubs, trees and lastly seedlings for both invaded and uninvaded sites. Significant (P<0.05) differences were also noted among invaded sites and among uninvaded sites in both density and abundance. Within uninvaded sites, richness also differed significantly (P<0.05). However, there were no (P>0.05) significant differences in basal area and canopy cover among the invaded sites and among uninvaded sites. Richness among invaded sites and height classes among uninvaded sites also did not (P>0.05) differ significantly. There is, therefore, urgent need to manage D. cinerea to curb its adverse effects on native woody species.

International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 3(9),

2013 ISSN 2250-3153, www.ijsrp.org

2013

Communal cattle production in Zimbabwe: A review

B. Tavirimirwa, R. Mwembe, B. Ngulube, N. Y. D. Banana, G. B. Nyamushamba, S. Ncube and D. Nkomboni.

Development of communal cattle production can be a sustainable way to improve the livelihoods of the rural population in Zimbabwe. There is however, little information and research conducted to characterize, understand and develop the communal cattle production systems in Zimbabwe. This review focuses on the importance of communal cattle production, constraints to sustainable production and research needs necessary to improve the production systems.

Communal cattle production in Zimbabwe is extensive and dominated by indigenous cattle which are adaptable to the local environment. Their important functions, which include provision of food security and socio-cultural role, are discussed. The major constraints identified are high disease and parasite prevalence, low level of management, limited dry season forage availability and poor marketing management. Any improvement in these constraints may lead to a sustainable increase in communal cattle production. 

Livestock Research for Rural Development Livestock Research for Rural Development 25 (12) 2013

2013

Effect of soil fertility on the establishment of improved grass and legume species grown in fallows in Chivi district, Zimbabwe

Tavirimirwa B., Manzungu E., Ncube S. and Mtali L.

A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of soil fertility on the establishment of two improved grasses (Pennisetum purpureum and Cynodon nlemfluensis) and two legumes (Desmodium uncinatum and Neonotonia wightii) in soils collected from different fallow periods [0 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 20 years and uncultivated field (control)] in Chivi district in south central Zimbabwe. Five soil samples per fallow period were characterized for soil fertility in terms of mineral Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sodium (Na), pH and soil texture. A four by five factorial design replicated three times was used to assess the establishment of legumes as measured by percent emergence of legume seeds and grass species as measured by survivability of the grass cuttings at 4 weeks. The data was analyzed using a general linear model (GLM). Overall soil fertility was low. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) across all the fallow periods. The rate of establishment of the grasses and legumes was not significantly different (P > 0.05) across fallow periods. There were, however, significant differences between species (P < 0.05). A 100% establishment was recorded for grasses, and 67.33 and 50.33% for D uncinatum and N wightii, respectively. The good establishment potential of both improved grasses and legumes indicated that this could be a viable way of improving the productivity of fallows in Chivi district and in similar areas in Zimbabwe.

African Journal of Agricultural Research, 8: 1009-1013, http://www.academicjournals.org/AJAR

2013

Impact of wildfires on browse availability in the semi-arid thornveld of South-eastern Zimbabwe.

Mwembe R., Hlatshwayo A. S., Nkomboni P., Tavirimirwa B., Sisito G.,   Nkomboni D., Ncube S. and Ndlovu T. S.

The study aimed at investigating the impact of wild fires on browse availability on a thornveld vegetation community through assessing its effect on woody plant structure and composition. Data was collected from four randomly selected paddocks at Mahiye; a thornveld farm affected by annual wildfire outbreaks since 2000. A Point Centre Quarter technique on a line transects was used to collect the data. The records collected from the nearest woody plant (≥ 0.3 m) in each quarter included the woody species name, circumference at 30 cm height from the ground and distance from the point to that woody plant. Fifteen woody plant species were present in the study area dominated by the Acacia species. Out of the six hundred sampled woody plants, Acacia nilotica contributed 65%, Acacia karroo 10.8% and Acacia robusta 10.7% with the remainder contributed by the other twelve species. A Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test could not provides sufficient evidence to prove that the woody plant community structure was homogenous. The height and the diameter structure had a significant variation (P < 0.05). This might be due to the presence of tall and large woody plants (height < 6m and diameter < 12 cm) within the community. Nevertheless, the Lorenz curves depicted less inequality in the height and diameter distribution within the farm (Gini coefficient 0.242 and 0.266 respectively) indicating dominance of a cohort. The histogram showed that more than 75% of the recorded stems were taller than 2.4 m and had a diameter >8 cm. Apparent from the results, the plant community had high quality browse species but the dominant size compromised accessibility of the browse. Therefore, frequent wildfires reduced browse availability in thornveld rangelands. But further research is required to unveil the amount of unavailable browse.

Scientific Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 2(6): 246-253. www.Sjournals.com

2013

Optimizing Livelihood and Environmental Benefits from Crop Residues in Smallholder Crop-Livestock Systems in Southern Africa

Homann-Kee Tui S., Bandason E., Maute F., Nkomboni D., Mpofu N., Tanganyika J., van Rooyen A. F. Gondwe, T, Dias P., Ncube S., Moyo S., Hendricks S. and Nisrane F.

Sustainable forms of intensification are needed to address the low and stagnant production of farming systems in southern Africa. More efficient use of crop-livestock interactions can contribute to this; in this context the effective use of crop residues is becoming increasingly important and also contested. Crop residues left on the field for mulching are expected to bring long-term environmental benefits but when fed to livestock they provide farmers with short-term livelihood benefits. This study aims at better understanding the diversity of farming systems and uses of crop residues, in particular the trade-offs in using the residues for soil amendment versus livestock feed. It is part of a global comparison with sites along a human and livestock population density gradient across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This southern Africa study represents the most extensive case of semi-arid areas with lowest biomass production. Three sites were compared, at different levels of agricultural intensification, extent of crop-livestock integration and use of crop residues. 1. Mzimba in Northern Malawi – intensified crop oriented production. 2. Nkayi in southwest Zimbabwe – integrated crop-livestock systems. 3. Changara in Tete province in Central Mozambique – extensive crop-livestock farming. Across the three sites, crop residues are clearly needed as livestock feed. In Nkayi and Changara low crop yields and low biomass production against the existing demand from livestock prevents farmers from using residues for purposes other than livestock feed. The practice of collecting and kraal feeding residues in Nkayi illustrates that the pressure on residues is at a level where farmers start privatizing residues in order to ensure their individual benefits. When feeding crop residues in the kraal, farmers also increase the amount of manure for soil fertility improvement. Even in Mzimba, with higher residue production and lower livestock ownership, very few farmers retain the residues to achieve real impact on soil health. Although farmers see soil fertility as a critical constraint, they have limited residues to spare for mulching. The trade-offs of reallocating crop residues from livestock feed to mulching for soil amendment will be high as long as alternative feed technologies and access to input and output markets are not developed. The trade-offs will be lower in areas with higher biomass production and less competition with livestock. Technical options need to increase biomass on existing croplands, addressing feed shortages and the need for soil amendment concurrently. Viable institutional structures and appropriate policies need to support this intensification processes through better access to inputs, knowledge and markets. The pathways for sustainable intensification and more efficient crop residue utilization need to be developed within the local context. We found strong growth potential for livestock-oriented agricultural development in extensive areas (Changara), strengthening crop and livestock integration to support intensification in areas like Nkayi, and enhancing crop-livestock integration for more efficient resource utilization where biomass is less limiting (Mzimba).

ICRISAT Socio-economics Discussion Paper Series Number 11. oar.icrisat.org/7277/

2013

Potential of using Visual Problem Appraisal as a trigger for conflict transformation; A case of Matabeleland, Zimbabwe.

Tambo G.

Land based conflicts have been taking place in Zimbabwe since the colonial period, even after independence but they have increased over the past decade since the inception of the Fast Track Land redistribution exercise. These conflicts have remained latent over the years due to their sensitive nature in relation to political implications. Conflict hampers agricultural development and consequently food security. As such it becomes important for development institutions to consider addressing these conflicts. An investigation into the discourses surrounding land based conflicts in Matabeleland in public spaces, through the immersion methodology was conducted by the researcher for 2 weeks. This entailed undercover observations by the researcher in public spaces such as markets, public buses, community gatherings and political rallies, with minimum interference by the researcher. The study went on to investigate the potential of using an analogy to trigger discussion on conflict transformation, with the aim of initiating a conflict transformation process in Matabeleland province, in a series of workshops. All the workshops were held at Matopos Research Institute and were facilitated by the researcher. An assistant facilitator was appointed to help with the logistics whilst an observer was also appointed to capture the stakeholders’ perceptions. Filmed interviews, under the Visual Problem Appraisal series, which were produced in neighbouring KwaZulu Natal (KZN), South Africa, were used as an analogy. The KZN case depicted various conflict and rural livelihoods issues, which stakeholders made reference to, as a point of departure to talk about their own conflicts. The working hypothesis by the researcher was that since these two areas have a lot in common; such as historical land inequalities between the white minority and black majority, HIV/AIDS issues, gender inequalities, food insecurity among other rural livelihood issues, the KZN case could serve as a good analogy for Matabeleland region. At the end, workshop participants evaluated the strength of the methodology. Follow-up interviews were made after each workshop with selected informants, to get their perceptions on the analogy, as a validation tool from workshop findings. Results indicated that generally people in Matabeleland do not talk about land based conflicts in public, especially the elderly. A few, who did, opted to express their selves metaphorically or in sayings. Conversely, a few youths under observation spoke more plainly about how the land based conflicts have affected food security in the country. These findings confirmed the need for rural development institutes to create a platform for people to talk openly about conflicts, which is an important step in initiating conflict transformation processes. Results from the second phase of the study, the VPA workshops, indicated that the analogy indeed triggered stakeholders to talk about their own situations, and they also confessed that they would otherwise have not talked about, were it not for the inspiration they got from the cases presented in the VPA package. Overall, results from the workshops conducted showed that 80% of the participants regarded the VPA analogy to be a useful tool in triggering discussion on sensitive matters, 18% had mixed feelings about the methodology while 2% of participants felt the VPA methodology is not a useful platform to initiate discussion on sensitive issues. Key informants confirmed in follow-up interviews that the VPA produced in KZN methodology remains useful as an analogy for Matabeleland, however users have to first understand its modalities. The study concluded that use of an analogy was suitable in triggering conflict transformation discussions in situations where it would naturally be difficult for people to talk about conflicts due to associated negative implications. Non-agricultural activity on distributed land was highlighted to be one of the main perpetrators of land conflicts. Insecure land tenure also came out as an inhibitor to agricultural development, a condition which predisposes the area to more food insecurity, consequently leading to more conflicts.

MSc. Thesis. Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands

2013

Significance of indigenous weather forecasting methods in increasing resilience of agriculture to climate change in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

.

Mudzengi C. P.; Dahwa E.; Sikosana J. L. N.; and Mushapaidze S.

The study assessed the importance of adopting indigenous weather forecasting to improve agricultural production in the face of climate change and variability in Masvingo and Gutu districts of Masvingo Province. Multi-stage random sampling was used in selecting 80 farmers. Quantitative methods in the form of a pre-tested questionnaire, complemented by qualitative methods in the form of interviews and focus group discussions were employed. Data collected included socio-demographic data, types of weather forecasting methods used in the area, and common methods of indigenous weather forecasting. 56 % of the respondents were female. From the study, 13 %, 9 % and 78 % of the respondents used conventional methods, indigenous methods and a combination of both methods respectively. Since time immemorial, indigenous weather forecasting has been used to predict rainfall patterns, hence prepare farmer for either a successful or bad agricultural season. Common indigenous methods of weather forecasting from the study included observing behaviour of wild fruit trees (75 %), animals (87 %), mountains (65 %) and insects (60 %). It is therefore imperative to re-adopt these methods to increase resilience of agricultural systems to climate change.

European Journal of Climate Change, Volume 11, 2013, pp 11 – 15

ISSN (paper) 2668-3784, www.BellPress.org

2013

Influence of grazing intensity on soil properties and shaping herbaceous plant communities in semi-arid dambo wetlands of Zimbabwe

Dahwa E., Hungwe T., Mudzengi C. P., Poshiwa X., Kativu S., and Shoko M. D.

Key issues of concern regarding the environmental impacts of livestock on grazing land are their effects on soil, water quality, and biodiversity. This study was carried out to determine how grazing intensity influences soil physical and chemical properties and occurrence of herbaceous plant species in dambo wetlands. Three categories of grazing intensity were selected from communal, small scale commercial and large scale commercial land. Dambos from the large scale commercial land functioned as the control. Data analysis included ANOVA and multivariate tests from CANOCO. There were significantly negative changes to soil nutrient status in communal dambos though with a higher number of rare taxa. Sodium, phosphorous, pH and infiltration rate were significant determinants of plant species occurrence. Overgrazing is threatening the productivity, stability, and ecological functioning of dambo soils in communal Zimbabwe. These dambos also require special conservation and management priorities as they contain a large number of rare plant species.

International Journal of environmental protection-Vol 4, No. 10

2014

Performance of ruminants on differential proportions of maize and sorghum grain based pen fattening diets.

Ncube S., Ndlovu L. R., Tavirimirwa B., Tambo G., Mwembe R., Nyamushamba G. B.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effect of combining maize and sorghum grain high in soluble proanthocyanidins (PAs) (3.466 A₅₅₀/g sample) on steer and wether feed intake, digestibility, growth and feed conversion ratio. The first experiment assessed the effects of combining maize and sorghum grain high in PAs (3.47 A₅₅₀/g sample) on intake and digestibility of the diets fed to wethers. Twenty five Dorper wethers (mean initial bodymass 37.3 5.3 kg) of 18 months of age were stratified by initial weight then randomly allotted to five diets in a complete randomised design within each body mass group with 5 replicates per group and were fed one of the following diets:100% maize (100M); 75% maize and 25% sorghum (75M:25S); 50% maize and 50% sorghum (50M:50S); 25% maize and 75% sorghum (25M:75S); 100% sorghum (100S). In the second experiment the effect of combining maize and sorghum grain on feedlot performance was evaluated. Thirty steers (12 months old) were allotted to 5 pens. The composition of the diets was as described in Trial 1. Feed intake of the wethers was not affected by the treatments. Digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF)ranked 50M:50S>100M>75M:25S>25M:75S>100S.  The feed conversion of the steers was similar on all diets, but those fed the sorghum diet had greater average daily gains than those fed maize. Carcass traits were not affected by grain type. Results from this study indicate that sorghum grain is useful as a source of energy in pen fattening diets.

Livestock Research for Rural Development.Vol 26(9) http://www.lrrd26/9/ncub26166.htm

2014

Estimating Matebele goat weight using the Gompertz Model

Givious Sisito, Wellington Fredrick Charumbira , Peter Tinashe Chinofunga, Pauline Mukwembi , Joseph Sikosana, Fastel Chipepa and Sikulile Dladla.

A total of 431 young Matebele goats at Matopos Research Station (Zimbabwe), 180 females and 251 males were used in a weight study. In this paper growth models are used to estimate weight changes, compare growth rates between males and females and also determine the percentage drop in growth rates at time to start supplementation. Monthly weights were recorded for a period of 18 months. The Gompertz and the Logistic growth models were used to estimate percentage weight changes and the growth rates from birth to 18 months for the period from 1990 to 1999. The year had no significant effect on the average monthly gain. However, the sex of the kid had a significant effect on the average monthly gain. The General statistical package (Genstat) was used in the estimation of model parameters and these parameters were further used to calculate monthly gains by means of differentiation of the growth equation. The critical time to start supplementation is at 10 months of age when growth rates start to decrease by 10% for both males and females. The mature weights were estimated from 25 to 30kg, this was determined by the asymptotic values of the fitted curves.

International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research Issue 4 volume 1, January-February http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html

2014

The effect of non-genetic factors on milk yield and composition of Red Dane cattle in Zimbabwe

G. B. Nyamushamba D., Chikwanda G., H. M. Matondi T., Marandure J., Mamutse B., Tavirimirwa N. Y., D. Banana and M. Dhliwayo.

A study was carried out to establish non genetic factors affecting milk, butterfat and protein yields in Zimbabwean Red Dane cattle. A total of 1325 unedited 305-day lactation records were obtained from Zimbabwe Livestock Identification Trust herd, with cows calving in the period 2002–2006. The Henderson Type III sum of squares in Genstat edition 14 program was used. Parity, days in milk, year of calving and age of calving had significant effects (P< 0.05) on milk, fat and protein yield; milk yield; protein and fat yield; and milk and protein yield respectively. An increase in parity resulted in an increase in milk yield and composition up to parity 4 and started declining in parity 5. An increase in days in milk also resulted in an increase in milk yield whereby the milk yield increased at a declining rate as from 350 days to 550 days. Milk yield and composition declined in 2005 and there was a decline in protein yield from 2006 to 2009. Lastly, milk and protein yield resulted in a gradual increase up to 58 months followed by a declining trend up to 103 months. Month of calving and days dry did not have significant effects (P> 0.05) on milk yield and composition of Red Dane cattle in Zimbabwe. The study showed that non-genetic factors have a significant effect on milk yield and composition of Red Dane cattle in Zimbabwe.

Livestock Research for Rural Development Livestock Research for Rural Development 26 (5) 2014

2014

The Production (Reproduction, Mortality and Herd Size) of Beef Cattle in ‘Fast Track’ A1 and A2 Resettlements Schemes in Bubi, Gwanda, Umguza and Matobo Districts of Zimbabwe

Boat Sibanda, Carolle Themba Khombe and Givious Sisito.

This paper explores the production (number of calves per herd per year, number of animals that die per herd per year and average herd size) of beef cattle in villagised A1 and individualised A2 model of the “Fast Track Land Reform Programme” in the Matabeleland region of Zimbabwe. The resettlement model was premised on increasing herd productivity through increasing the availability of grazing land and water with the assumption that the resettled farmers would abandon subsistence agriculture in favour of market driven production. The follow up assumption was that improvement in beef cattle production would significantly increase household incomes for the farmers and contribute to poverty alleviation. Determining the productivity of beef cattle from A1 and A2 schemes was frustrated by poor record keeping. This study focused on three indicators that the farmers could easily quantify and verify, namely: number of calves per herd per year, number of deaths per herd and herd size. Quantitative and qualitative surveys were used to collect information from sampled farmers and key informants. A total of 196 records were collected (47 from Bubi, 39 from Gwanda, 50 from Umguza and 60 from Matobo Districts). Eighty six (86) records were collected from A1 settlements (37 from Bubi, 5 from Gwanda, 15 from Umguza and 29 from Matobo Districts) 110 records were collected from A2 settlements (10 from Bubi, 34 from Gwanda, 35 from Umguza and 31 from Matobo Districts).The data was analysed using SPSS. A Fixed Effects Regression Model (FRM) and the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) procedures were applied. The study revealed that average herd size was 29.8±13.7, numbers of births per year were 16.6±9.6 calves/herd and numbers of deaths were 4.7±1.1 animals per herd during the one year period of reporting. The findings compare very well with the national averages of 46% (compared to 56%) and 16% (compared to 16%) for birth and death rates respectively in the communal sector and fall far lower than the then large scale commercial sector (LSCS) rates which had mean calving averages of 79% and mortality rates (rangeland) of 3%. It was suggested that the increased production of A2 farmers over A1 farmers was a function of scale due to increased grazing land rather than improved efficiencies of production. A study of success factors showed that tenure security, type of resettlement scheme, livestock husbandry, breed composition, and education had a larger coefficient of determination value (R2 = 66.17%) hence a significant effect on cattle production in resettlement areas. The implication of these findings is that beef production in Fast-Track resettlement areas has not reached the pre Fast Track levels of large scale commercial farms but close to the levels of communal farms. However, this study shows that there is scope for improvement. The resettled farmers have not made significant investments in securing inputs and technology to enhance their productivity. Improving the competitiveness of the beef sector in Zimbabwe’s resettlement areas will require farmers to raise their management levels, improve input supply, provide adequate water and enhance use of superior genetics to achieve greater productivity.

International Journal of Agriculture Innovations and Research

http://ijair.org/index.php?option=com_jresearch&view=publication&task=show&id=205

2014

The distribution and impacts of helminths on goat production in south-western parts of Zimbabwe.

Ndlovu R.

A study was conducted on gastro-intestinal parasites in goats in Matobo and Gwanda districts with the objectives of determining the major helminths, their prevalence, and their effects on body condition scores (BCS) of goats. A total of 354 faecal samples were collected and were examined by the modified McMaster technique using saturated sodium chloride as the floatation medium. The management practices of farmers was determined by a questionnaire survey. It showed that all farmers offered supplements (cereal stover, legume hay browse pods and commercial feeds) to their goats and 76 % used anthelmintics to control helminthosis. The anthelmintics used included herbs and commercial drugs. The parasites identified in Matobo district were Haemonchus spp (73.8%), Trichostrongylus spp (8.0 %), Cooperia spp (0.8 %), Oespphagostomum spp (14.7 %), Bunostomum spp (1.2 %), Strongyloide (1.5 %), Paramphistomum spp (4.1 %), Fasciola spp (1.2 %), Moniezia spp (1.1 %) and Coccidia spp (34.52 %). In Gwanda district the species identified were Haemonchus spp (78.3), Trichostrongylus spp (8.0), Cooperia spp (0.3 %), Oespphagostomum spp (11.0 %), Strongyloide (2.3 %), Paramphistomum spp (9.8 %), Fasciola spp (0.6 %), and Coccidia spp (28.8). Haemonchus spp (75.6 % %) were the dominant species in both districts. The parasite prevalence was 65 % and 70 % in Gwanda and Matobo and there was no significant difference in the prevalence between the districts. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between BCSs and helminths infection. The majority of goats (87.0 %) had poor condition (BCS 1 and 2) even during the peak rainy season. There was no significant (P>0.05) association between prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and all the risk factors studied (district, season, sex and age of goats, anthelmintic treatment and feed supplementation). It can be concluded that the goats in the two districts were infected with different species of gastrointestinal nematodes and no single factor was found to be a good predictor of helminths infections in goats in the two districts. Farmers need to have goat faecal samples analysed so as to effectively control worm burdens in their goats and improve productivity.

MSc. Thesis. University of Zimbabwe, Harare.

2014

Free ranging indigenous chickens (Gallas domesticus) seasonal time budgets

Mwembe R., Nkomboni D., Nengomasha Z., Sisito G. and Kufa M.

A study was carried out at Matopos Research Institute to observe how free ranging indigenous chicken budget their daily time in early and late summer. The objective of the study was to understand how fundamental daily activities vary with season and chicken strain. The data were analysed as a two season (late winter and early summer) by three-bird strain (Naked neck, Spotted and Red) factorial structure in a completely randomised design. The chickens allocated more of their time to feeding during the late summer than in early winter. By contrast, more time was allocated to reproduction during early winter than late summer. The Red chicken strain displayed more reproduction activities compared to the naked neck and spotted types. All chicken strains had high locomotion, displayed less cleaning activities and drinking during early winter than late summer. In conclusion, time allocated to feeding and reproduction varied with time and chicken strain. It can be inferred that the quality of the scavenging feed resource base improved as it gradually progressed from summer into the winter. However, monitoring the time budgets coupled with crop content analysis can improve the understanding of the scavenging feed resource base variability hence improving the effectiveness of supplementation regimes and chicken productivity.

Livestock Research for Rural Development. Vol 26(9) http://www.lrrd26/1/mwem26001.htm

2014

The potential for increasing cattle productivity in mixed farming systems of Zimbabwe.

Nkomboni D., Sisito G., van Rooyen A., Homann-Kee Tui S., Sikosana J. L. N. and Ndlovu L.R.

Despite the importance and opportunities that cattle present to smallholder farmers, their productivity remains low. High mortality and low fertility mainly caused by feed and health related factors are the reasons of low cattle productivity in semi-arid Zimbabwe. Mortality is unproductive as cattle that die, die with the feed that they eat. As most of the rain water is used for feed production through transpiration, mortality wastes it and lowers livestock water productivity (LWP). In this study we characterize the existing situation of feed, health, herd size and assess the impact of mortality and fertility on cattle production in semi-arid western Zimbabwe. The data were collected using household surveys and participatory rural appraisals (PRAs). Farmers were categorized into poor and better-off cattle keepers’ wealth groups. A simulation approach using the DynMod model was applied to evaluate the extent livestock production and LWP can be improved by reducing mortality and increasing fertility of cattle from the wealth groups. Mortality was relatively high amongst the different classes of stock with an overall mortality rate of 0.17. Fertility was low with parturition rate of 0.48 on average. The projection of the current system showed a decline in cattle numbers for the poor and better-off farmers. For better-off farmers’ cattle, mortality rate in absolute terms was higher than the poor farmers’ cattle. Complex management with larger herds could be the reason for this trend. Reducing the mortality while increasing parturition rates improved cattle production for both poor cattle farmers and better-off cattle farmers despite the introduction of droughts after every 5years.We observed that as feed consumption increases with cattle numbers, the LWP index also increases. This results in effective utilization of feed resources. Addressing livestock management needs to be intensified as it was noted as an area of concern to address mortality and fertility challenges. Most farmers (64%) graze their crop residues in situ reducing fodder utilization. None of the farmers grow improved legumes and cereal forages for animal feeding during the dry season. Whereas, it was evident that feed shortages did not directly result in mortality except during prolonged drought when their immunity is compromised. Improving the extension services and better access to information, inputs and technologies on cattle production could have a strong impact on improving cattle productivity

1. Livestock Research for Rural Development 26 (6) 2014

2014

Evaluating the beef cattle off-take in beef Value Chains of A2 resettled farmers in Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province Zimbabwe

Mukwasi P.

The livestock sector in Zimbabwe has undergone major changes since the turn of the 21st century. It has been further restructured with the advent of the Fast Track Land reform Programme (FTLRP) of 2000 and 2002. The FTLRP was termed ‘an agrarian revolution’ (Moyo, 2011). The FTLRP established two models of resettlement. Model A1, in which each household was allocated arable land, with shared grazing Model A2 schemes based on small, medium and large-scale commercial farms with 99-year leases (Moyo, 2011). The second model, termed the A2 consisted of resettled farmers that were given land that they would maintain and revive the commercial beef farming sector in Zimbabwe. Ten years after the inception of this programme there has been no evaluation of their productivity and it is not known whether they are significantly contributing to commercial beef production or participating in the commercial beef value chain. This research, therefore sought to evaluate the off-take in the beef cattle value chain in A2 resettled farmers in Matabeleland South using a value chain approach. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 34 A2 resettled farm owners who had been allocated land during or after the Fast Track Land Reform Programme (FTLRP) of the year 2000. Semi structured interviews were done with key informants from LPD, AGRITEX, Veterinary services, Ministry of Lands and DR&SS. Interviews were also conducted among different representatives who are involved or affected by activities of A2 resettled farmers to explore their functions in the beef value chain. Quantitative and descriptive data generated from the survey was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 and Microsoft Excel 2007. The actors in the beef value chain of A2 resettled farmers in Matobo district consists of the farmers who produce beef cattle, the cattle buyers who also process in abattoirs, retail the beef in butcheries and consumers who are either institutional consumers like hotels, hospitals, schools and restaurants or general household consumers. Most of the beef processed (90%) through abattoirs in Bulawayo is consumed in the capital city, Harare which has a much larger market. From the producer to the abattoir there are specialized roles within the chain as farmers are into beef cattle production; buyers are solely buying beef cattle for slaughter. The farmer incurs the highest production costs as evidenced by his value share of 68% whereas the abattoir and retailer have value shares of 11 and 21% respectively. Statistics from the results section showed the average off-take rate for A2 resettled farmers is 11%. The off-take rate is lower than the expected commercial off-take of 15-23% but however, higher than the communal off-take of lower than 3%. An increase in herd size (p=0.024) increase the off-take. The study identified that off-take rate is not influenced by distance to the market nor by herd size for the A2 resettled farmers in Matobo District yet low off-take rate may destabilize the value chain. Farmers are however, keeping animals for longer before they sell which may be increasing production costs and rate of return on investment. A2 resettled farmers consider cash income, insurance and social status as main reasons for keeping cattle. They mentioned low prices, lack of pricing and grading information as constraint to marketing. Majority are aware of customer requirements and plan to increase herd sizes and off-take.

MSc. Thesis. Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands.

2014

Economic trade-offs of biomass use in crop-livestock systems: Exploring

more sustainable options in semi-arid Zimbabwe

Sabine Homann-Kee Tui, Diego Valbuena, Patricia Masikati, Katrien Descheemaeker, Justice Nyamangara, Lieven Claessens, Olaf Erenstein, Andre van Rooyen and Daniel Nkomboni

In complex mixed crop-livestock systems with limited resources and biomass scarcity, crop residues play an important but increasingly contested role. This paper focuses on farming systems in the semi-arid areas of Zimbabwe, where biomass production is limited and farmers integrate crop and livestock activities. Conservation Agriculture (CA) is promoted to intensify crop production, emphasizing the retention of surface mulch with crop residues (CR). This paper quantifies the associated potential economic tradeoffs and profitability of using residues for soil amendment or as livestock feed, and explores alternative biomass production options. We draw on household surveys, stakeholder feedback, crop, livestock and economic modeling tools. We use the Trade-Off Analysis Model for Multi-Dimensional Impact Assessment (TOA-MD) to compare different CR use scenarios at community level and for different farm types: particularly the current base system (cattle grazing of maize residues) and sustainable intensification alternatives based on a CA option (mulching using maize residues ± inorganic fertilizer) and a maize–mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) rotation. Our results indicate that a maize–mucuna rotation can reduce trade-offs between CR uses for feed and mulch, providing locally available organic soil enhancement, supplementary feed and a potential source of income. Conservation Agriculture without fertilizer application and at non-subsidized fertilizer prices is not financially viable; whereas with subsidized fertilizer it can benefit half the farm population. The poverty effects of all considered alternative biomass options are however limited; they do not raise income sufficiently to lift farmers out of poverty. Further research is needed to establish the competitiveness of alternative biomass enhancing technologies and the socio-economic processes that can facilitate sustainable intensification of mixed crop-livestock systems, particularly in semi-arid environments.

(Elsevier) Agricultural systems Volume 134, March 2015, Pages 48–60

2014

The potential for increasing cattle productivity in mixed farming systems of Zimbabwe

D. Nkomboni, G. Sisito, A. van Rooyen, S. Homann-Kee Tui., J. L. N. Sikosana and L. R. Ndlovu.

Despite the importance and opportunities that cattle present to smallholder farmers, their productivity remains low.High mortality and low fertility mainly caused by feed and health related factors are the reasons of low cattle productivity in semi-arid Zimbabwe.Mortality is unproductive as cattle that die, die with the feed that they eat. As most of the rain water is used for feed production through transpiration, mortality wastes it and lowers livestock water productivity (LWP). In this study we characterize the existing situation of feed, health, herd size and assess the impact of mortality and fertility on cattle production in semi-arid western Zimbabwe. The data were collected using household surveys and participatory rural appraisals (PRAs). Farmers were categorized into poor and better-off cattle keepers’ wealth groups. A simulation approach using the DynMod model was applied to evaluate the extent livestock production and LWP can be improved by reducing mortality and increasing fertility of cattle from the wealth groups. Mortality was relatively high amongst the different classes of stock with an overall mortality rate of 0.17. Fertility was low with parturition rate of 0.48 on average. The projection of the current system showed a decline in cattle numbers for the poor and better-off farmers. For better-off farmers’ cattle, mortality rate in absolute terms was higher than the poor farmers’ cattle. Complex management with larger herds could be the reason for this trend. Reducing the mortality while increasing parturition rates improved cattle production for both poor cattle farmers and better-off cattle farmers despite the introduction of droughts after every 5years.We observed that as feed consumption increases with cattle numbers, the LWP index also increases. This results in effective utilization of feed resources. Addressing livestock management needs to be intensified as it was noted as an area of concern to address mortality and fertility challenges. Most farmers (64%) graze their crop residuesin situreducing fodder utilization. None of the farmers grow improved legumes and cereal forages for animal feeding during the dry season. Whereas, it was evident that feed shortages did not directly result in mortality except during prolonged drought when their immunity is compromised. Improving the extension services and better access to information, inputs and technologies on cattle production could have a strong impact on improving cattle productivity.

Livestock Research for Rural Development. www.lrrd.org/lrrd26/6/nkom26111.htm

2014

Estimating environmental effects using the agronomic traits of pearl millet varieties by means of the biplot technique

Chiedza Elvina Mashiri, Primrose Chikerema, Cyril T F Murewi, Loice Gonzo, Susan Maphosa, Mandidayingeyi Hellen Pfupajena, Edina Chandiwana, Pauline Mukwembi and Givious Sisito

It is important to maintain stable high yields to sustain human livelihoods particularly the small holder farmers despite the instability in environmental conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate crop performance and productivity in different experimental sites. Five pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) genotypes were tested in different environments: Makoholi, Lucydale and Kadoma, in the Semi-Arid region of Zimbabwe characterized by low rainfall (<650mm). The research intended to address the importance of environmental effects on agronomic traits of pearl millet varieties on yield variability and the significance of distinct, uniform and stable variety selection to the target growing conditions.Analysis was done using the Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) biplot technique simultaneously with multiple regressions and Principal Component Analysis. The combined analysis of variance showed high level of significance of variability caused by the impact of environment and genotypic characteristics (P<0.01). A positive relationship (0.654) was observed between grain yield and days to 50% maturity and the weakest relationship (0.34) was noted between yield and plant standing. These agronomic traits could be used as indices to select pearl millet genotypes with high yield potential and better quality heritability. The results also indicated that the varieties of pearl millet (pmv2 and okashana1) exposed under advanced trial stage are not stable across all the test sites due to (G x E) crossover type.

International Journal of Advanced Scientific and Technical Research Issue 4 volume 2, March-April 2014 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijst/index.html

2014

Promoting the use of ethnoveterinary practices in livestock health management in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Clarice P. Mudzengi, Everson Dahwa, Joseph L.N. Sikosana, and Chrispen Murungweni

This study evaluated the contributions and potential of ethnoveterinary practices to livestock health management in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. Causes of non-adoption of ethnoveterinary practices were also determined, and recommendations for the way forward suggested. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used in the study. High costs and unavailability of pharmaceuticals, poor communication networks, and disintegrating government livestock health facilities were cited as some of the problems in livestock health management. Adoption of ethno veterinary practices which are cheap, locally available, and sustainable is an alternative, especially in the face of climate change and variability. However, the respondents cited lack of documentation, inadequate diagnosis, and lack of knowledge of application rates or side effects of these practices as some of the challenges in using them. Ethno veterinary practices are therefore mostly used in combination with pharmaceuticals rather than on their own. Scientific validation of indigenous medicinal plants is therefore important to increase their adoption in livestock health management. The knowledge of traditional healers, seasoned stockmen, hunters, and other experienced elderly people should be tapped to gather information on these practices so that it gets documented for the benefit of future generations

Ethnobotany Research & Applications 12:397-405 (2014).

2014

Effects of Dichrostachys cinerea (l.) Wight & Arn (Fabaceae) on herbaceous species in a semi-arid rangeland in Zimbabwe

Clarice Mudzengi, S. Kativu, E. Dahwa, X. Poshiwa, C. Murungweni

Anthropogenic alteration of an environment and other disturbance regimes may enable the expansion of some native species into new geographical areas, a phenomenon observed with Dichrostachys cinerea. Five D. cinerea invaded sites, each approximately one hectare in size were assessed for the effects of D. cinerea on native herbaceous species diversity, richness, basal cover, litter cover, top hamper and plant vigour. The same attributes were studied in five uninvaded sites adjacent to, and equal in size to each invaded site. Forty herbaceous species were identified in the area. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) noted in species richness, basal cover, litter cover, top hamper, plant vigour, and species diversities between invaded and uninvaded sites, with uninvaded sites recording higher values than invaded sites. Altitude, erosion and the edaphic variables pH, N, P and K, which were included as explanatory variables, also differed significantly (P<0.05) between invaded and uninvaded sites. Of the 30 D. cinerea invaded plots established for herbaceous species assessments, 26 were positively correlated with altitude, erosion, pH, P, N and K. It is imperative to find ways of managing D. cinerea in order to reduce its adverse effects on herbaceous species.

Nature Conservation, 2014, 7: 51–60 doi:10.3897/natureconservation.7.5264

http://www.pensoft.net/natureconservation

2014

Adoption of urea treatment of maize stover technology for dry season supplementation of cattle in Wedza, Zimbabwe

C. .P Mudzengi, L. M. Taderera, A. Tigere, C. S. Kapembeza, S. Moyana, M. Zimondi, E. T. Derembwe and E. Dahwa

Urea treatment of maize stover is a feed technology developed to improve the nutritive value of high fibrous crop residues for the efficient utilization of available feed resources. In 2000, Grasslands Research Institute introduced the technology to some farmers in Wedza District, Zimbabwe. This survey, in the form of a structured questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions was carried out to explore and explain the factors affecting adoption of this technology in Wedza. Results obtained from the thirty three respondents stratified into trained and untrained groups show that only 20 % of untrained farmers adopted the technology while only 38.8 % of previously trained farmers continued using the technology since 2000. High labour requirements of preparing the stover (78.8 %), lack of monitoring by extension services (87.9 %) and inaccessibility of urea fertiliser (72.7 %) were the main factors to which non-adoption and discontinuance were attributed. Other factors included age, gender and level of education of the respondents. Technological interventions should therefore be simple and practical, with locally available inputs. Extension services should also increase to enhance accuracy of implementation, hence adoption of technologies

Livestock Research for Rural Development 26 (09) 2014

2014

Influence of grazing intensity on plant community diversity, structure and composition in dambo wetlands of communal Zimbabwe.

Dahwa E., Kativu S., Hungwe T., Mudzengi C. P., Poshiwa X., Murungweni C., Shoko M. D.

A study was carried out to determine grazing impacts on dambo wetlands vegetation in Zimbabwe’s arid communal lands. Results revealed that communal dambos were converting from floristically diverse wetlands of good grazing to communities dominated by low forage value grasses like Eragrostis species. Furthermore, changes in plant structural attributes like basal and litter cover that exposed soil to erosion were recorded. However, moderate grazing supported a diverse plant community with plant composition that supports a working wetland. Current management practices of dambos in the Zimbabwean communal areas are inadequate and needs regulation if sound conservation measures are to be adopted.

Global Journal of biology, agriculture and health science. Vol.3 (1):259-266.

2015

Poultry Litter as a Nitrogen Supplement to Hay Fed to the indigenous Sabi Sheep

Trinity S. Senda, Joseph L. N. Sikosana, Givious Sisito and Michael Musasira

The study was carried out at Matopos Research Institute to compare the effect of supplementing the Sabi sheep with poultry litter and All- in- lamb meal on the average daily gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI). The poultry litter used was collected from a broiler house where wood shavings were used as bedding. The litter was sun dried and had 20.86% crude protein (CP). Poor quality hay (mixed grass species) was used as the basal diet in the three treatments and had 1.98 % crude protein.   Thirty pure Sabi castrates were used with each confined in a 2 x 2m pen for 52 days. The control group was given All- in- lamb meal with 12.28% crude protein. The other two treatments consisted of 0.1kg and 0.2kg poultry litter respectively. A complete randomized design was used, with each treatment being replicated ten times.   The results obtained showed that diet had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on DMI (0.523kgkg +/-0.019kg for the control (hay + All-in lamb meal). DMI for treatment two (hay + 100g poultry litter) was (0.470kg +/-0.019 kg) and (0.482kg+/-0.019kg) for treatment three (hay + 200g poultry litter). Diet 2 and 3 had a similar effect on DMI. Diet had a significant effect on ADG (p < 0.05). Treatment one was similar to treatment three on ADG (0.031kg +/-0.012kg) but both were significantly different from treatment one which was higher (-0.002kg+/-0.012kg). The study concluded that poultry litter can be used as a nitrogen supplement to hay for maintenance purposes.

10^th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium Book of Papers Presented (ISSN: 2412-2386)

2015

Beef value chains in A2 resettled in Zimbabwe: A review

Nkomboni P. and  Beekman S.

The livestock sector in Zimbabwe has changed with the redistributive land reform program. Land was distributed under two establishment models, the A1 and the A2. Whilst A1 farmers are under common grazing and operate as smallholder farmers, A2 resettled farmers were and are supposed to carry out and revive the commercial farming sector. Land redistribution was done with the objective of giving land to the landless; however questions arise as to how this programme affected or influenced the beef value chains. The distribution of the fast track land reform programme shaped and restructured the beef value chains in such a way that there was an entrance and egression of different chain actors. This review evaluates beef value chains in the A2 farms with reference to former commercial farms, how their entrance has changed market trend, chain actors, chain supporters and all the other stakeholders involved in the beef value chains.

Livestock Research for Rural Development, Volume 27, Number 7, July 2015

2015

Epidemiology and contribution of malignant catarrhal fever in cattle losses in farms close to Rhodes Matopos national park, Zimbabwe

Dedani Mlilo, Mlamuleli Mhlanga, Richard Mwembe, Givious Sisito and Busani Moyo

Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) is a fatal viral disease of cattle noted in farms close to wildlife conservancies where cattle and wildebeests mix during grazing. A study was conducted in smallholder and commercial farms close to Rhodes Matopos National Park (RMNP) to establish trends of occurrence of MCF and its contribution to cattle losses in the farms. Data was obtained from eight (8) commercial and 97 (ninety seven) smallholder cattle owners. In the smallholder sector, cattle farmers from three (3) villages were chosen as respondents in a survey to provide information through questionnaire administration on impact and extent of losses in their cattle herd. Epidemiological data from January 2006 to April 2014 was extracted from farm records from two (2) Matopos Research Institute farms. A seasonal pattern/variation in MCF occurrence was observed showing cattle mortalities recorded between February and May with its peaks between March and April. Sporadic cases were noted in October and November in the years 2007, 2010 and 2012. Malignant catarrhal fever was noted to be the main cause of death accounting for 71 % and 21% of the mortalities in the commercial and smallholder sectors respectively. Avoiding cattle – wildebeest contact during the period November to April has been concluded to be the best MCF control measure.

Animal Tropical Health and Production, volume 47 (4).

2015

The impact of apiculture on herbaceous species and range characteristics in Wedza District, Zimbabwe

Mudzengi C. P.; Taderera L.; Moyana S.; Zimondi M.; Tigere A.; Derembwe E. T.; Kapembeza C. S.; Dahwa E.

Apiculture is the large scale production of honey and associated by-products for home consumption or sale. In Wedza District of Zimbabwe, it is a traditional, environment friendly practice that is important in household income generation. Apiculture is also hypothesized to play a vital role in conservation of rangelands. To determine the ecological importance of the practice in the district, a study was carried out, comparing the composition and diversity of herbaceous species between beekeeping (where apiculture is practiced) and non-beekeeping sites. Range condition was also assessed in terms of basal cover, litter cover, erosion and plant vigour. Twenty five 0.5 m x 0.5 m quadrats were established in each of the four study sites for the assessments. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted in species richness and diversity between beekeeping and non-beekeeping sites. Plant vigour, basal cover, erosion and litter cover in beekeeping sites were also significantly (P < 0.05) different from those in non-beekeeping sites. Compared to non-beekeeping sites, beekeeping sites recorded higher values for all variables with the exception of erosion. More conservation efforts are employed in beekeeping areas than in non-beekeeping areas of Wedza. Beekeeping therefore contributes to productivity of rangelands, hence livestock production. It should be encouraged for sustainability of rural livelihoods and contribution to economies of developing countries, especially in the face of climate change and variability.

10^th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium Book of Papers Presented (ISSN: 2412-2386)

2015

The Farming systems of the Zimbabwean district of Wedza and the role and adoption of forage legumes in small scale crop-livestock enterprises. A review

Kapembeza C. S.; Mudzengi C. P.; Mushapaidze S. T. L.;Tigere A.; Mupfugami G.; Makani I.

A survey was conducted to determine the level of adoption of forage and browse legumes and to identify the major constraints limiting their adoption in Zana and Dendenyore districts of Wedza. A structured questionnaire with both closed and open-ended questions was carried out to explore and explain the factors affecting adoption of the forage legume technology introduced by ACIAR during the period 1999-2002. Thirty respondents from each ward were stratified into trained and untrained groups and results showed that 35.6% of the farmers in Zana adopted the technology while only 33.3 %of previously trained farmers in Dendenyore continued using the technology since 1999. High labour requirements of growing Mucuna pruriens and Lablab purpureus, shortage of markets to sell the Mucuna/ Lablab seed, lack of monitoring by extension services and inaccessibility of fertiliser were the main factors to which poor adoption and discontinuance were attributed. Stakeholder support in smallholder beef and dairying should continue to be extended to resource-poor farmers. This can be possible through participatory approaches to achieve widespread and long-term benefits of adopting forage/browse legume technologies for sustainable smallholder beef and dairy production in Zimbabwe.

10^th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium Book of Papers Presented (ISSN: 2412-2386)

2015

Comparing the influences of termites and fifty years of ungulate herbivory on composition of woody plant assemblages in an African savanna

Colleen L. Seymour; Grant S. Joseph; Milton Makumbe; Graeme S. Cumming; Zacheus Mahlangu and David H.M. Cumming.

Ungulate herbivory and termite mounds occur over different time-scales, but both can affect plant community composition in savannas. Human-managed savanna systems are increasingly dominated by domesticated grazing herbivores. These have replaced a mix of indigenous browsers and grazers, leading to changes such as increased bush encroachment in plant communities. We compared the relative impacts of five decades of different types of ungulate herbivory (cattle grazing, browsing and grazing by wild herbivores, and exclusion of all larger herbivores) on woody plant assemblages in two habitats, namely, large termite mounds, which may be thousands of years old, and the surrounding matrix.  

Journal of Vegetation Science, volume, 22.