Matobo farmers’ plight: A cry for rain

Lumbidzani Dima

In the sun-scorched fields of Matobo District, a silent plea resonates among farmers grappling with the harsh reality of drought. Despite their resilient efforts and the implementation of the Intwasa/pvumvudza program, which promotes drought-resistant crops, hope hangs by a thread as the rains continue to elude them.

Speaking to Community Podium from Vimbi village, Sichelesile Mnkandla bares the heartache of farmers across the region, expressing her desperate longing for rain within the next fortnight. “What I’m praying for is rain,” she confides, her voice trembling with concern. “Without it, our harvest will suffer, and our hopes dashed.”

Sicelo Sibanda echoes this sentiment, her words laden with the weight of uncertainty. “Without rain in the coming weeks, our crops are doomed,” she laments, highlighting the imminent threat to their hard-earned produce.

While the Intwasa program has provided a glimmer of hope, offering support and guidance to farmers, the absence of rain casts a shadow of doubt over their future. Dina Khumalo, her voice tinged with resignation, shares the collective anguish of her fellow farmers. “We are praying fervently for rain,” she confesses. “But as each day passes without a drop, our fears grow.” Khumalo planted maize, wheat, sorghum, beans, round nuts and groundnuts which she said are in a state that needs rains as soon as possible.

As the Meteorological department’s forecast offers little reassurance, the fate of Matobo’s farmers hangs precariously in the balance, underscoring the urgent need for intervention before it’s too late.

Source: Community Podium