A CALL TO ACTION TOWARD INCREASING LIVESTOCK POPULATION AND ATTAINING THE GOVERNMENT’S $1 BILLION EXPORT TARGET
Earlier this year, President Hakainde Hichilema stated that the New Dawn administration aims to increase the cattle population to 6.5 million within the next two years to generate $1 billion annually from beef exports. In response to this policy directive, we must analyze and address the challenges that could hinder these government aspirations. One critical issue is the threat posed by the invasive species Mimosa pigra, commonly known in English as the “Sensitive Plant” or “Touch Me Not.”
The Kafue Flat Plains, a vital region for agroforestry and livestock, face a significant challenge from Mimosa pigra. Locally known as Mpande or Kasaka in Bemba and Mponda in Nyanja, this invasive plant threatens the sustainability of agriculture, forestry, and livestock resources, posing a severe risk to livelihoods. Its unchecked spread disrupts vegetation and diminishes livestock potential, undermining efforts to increase livestock numbers and boost export earnings.
To achieve the government’s livestock population and export targets, experts in forestry and livestock production emphasize the urgent need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to tackle this invasive species. A collaborative effort is required among the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (Department of Livestock Development), academia, and research institutions under the National Science and Technology Council.
Strategies for Combating Mimosa pigra
Effective strategies must include innovative and combined approaches for both biological and mechanical removal of Mimosa pigra. This requires concerted action from various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and local communities, to prevent further ecological and economic damage. The severity of this issue demands immediate attention and proactive measures.
We call upon agricultural, livestock, and agroforestry experts to engage in finding sustainable solutions through research to combat Mimosa pigra. Their insights are invaluable in developing strategies that not only address the immediate threat but also enhance the long-term resilience of the ecosystem.
The Agroforestry-Livestock Nexus
There is a crucial connection between agroforestry and livestock production for many smallholder farmers. Agroforestry, which integrates trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes, offers a sustainable solution to improve livestock nutrition. This symbiotic relationship is essential for several reasons:
1. Forage Production: Agroforestry systems can include fodder trees and shrubs that provide high-quality forage, especially during dry seasons when natural pastures are scarce. This ensures consistent and nutritious feed for livestock, enhancing their productivity and health.
2. Soil Fertility: Trees in agroforestry systems contribute to soil fertility through leaf litter and root biomass, improving pasture quality and increasing forage yield. This directly benefits livestock by providing nutrient-rich grazing areas, leading to higher meat and milk production.
3. Climate Resilience: Agroforestry practices enhance the resilience of farming systems to climate change. By providing shade and windbreaks, they protect livestock from extreme weather conditions, reduce heat stress, and maintain pasture productivity.
Forestry’s Role in Forage Production
The forestry sector plays a vital role in unlocking the full potential of forage production. Trees such as Leucaena, Gliricidia, and Moringa are excellent sources of protein-rich fodder in agroforestry systems. They also maintain water cycles, enhance soil moisture retention, and provide shade, all of which are essential for livestock welfare.
A list of forage legumes suitable for improving livestock nutrition among smallholder farmers in Zambia has been identified. Species such as Desmanthus leptophyllus , Panicum colorantum, Vicia vilosa, and Stylosanthes varieties are recommended for agroecological zones I and II, while others like Arachis pintoi and Chamaecrista rotundifolia are suitable for zone III.
Achieving this potential requires collaboration between the forestry and agricultural sectors. Professional bodies such as the Forestry Institute of Zambia (FIZ) and the Agricultural Institute of Zambia (AIZ) must lead this initiative, leveraging their expertise to develop agroforestry systems tailored to Zambia’s unique conditions.
Call for Government Support and Capacity Building
To meet the $1 billion beef export target, the government must deliberately support capacity-building initiatives for foresters, agriculturalists, and natural resource professionals especially the leading livestock production specialists as well. Training in forage production, agroforestry practices, and sustainable land management is essential to equip professionals with the skills necessary to drive this agenda forward.
We urge the government to allocate resources to empower bodies like the Forestry Institute of Zambia/Agricultural Institute of Zambia to contribute meaningfully to the livestock sector. Additionally, establishing Livestock Economic Zones that incorporate agroforestry practices will maximize the benefits of both sectors.
Specifically, we call on the government to support organizations like the Forestry Institute of Zambia and the Agricultural Institute of Zambia under projects such as the Enhanced Smallholder Livestock Investment Programme (E-SLIP). We commend the success achieved under E-SLIP in forage production and recommend incorporating forage production business training in annual programming and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiatives. This will ensure the sustainability of forage production and seed knowledge through a multi-sectoral approach.
Furthermore, investment in research and development is crucial to identify the most suitable tree species and agroforestry practices for Zambia’s diverse agro-ecological zones. Collaboration among forestry experts, agricultural scientists, and livestock specialists is key to developing innovative solutions that propel the sector forward.
Mr. President, the forestry sector is not just an ancillary component but a foundational pillar in achieving your vision for the livestock sector. By fostering a strong partnership between forestry and agriculture and investing in the capacity of our professionals, Zambia can achieve its livestock export targets and ensure the sustainability and resilience of our agricultural systems.
I, along with my colleagues, stand ready to support this critical initiative and contribute to the prosperity and well-being of our nation.
Yours sincerely,
Chaliafya Katungula
Advocacy General
Forestry Advocacy for Communities, Communication, Transparency, Accountability, and Research -F(A+C+T+A+R)
Hmmmm abo ba tata nibalazofye who’s going to be keeping that 6.5M of cattle is if for GRZ or maybe the GRZ will pump in some money in commercial farmers or it’s for individuals like himself to raise up to that 6.5M head of cattle? And how do u invest in animals namalwele ukufula so? It was jst last year where we lost a lot of animals kuli anthrax again kukabe ama stories teee?
The GRZ has never owned cows, and most of the cows in Zambia were stolen from the Tonga people in the 19th century. The Lozi, the Kaonde, the Bemba, the Ngoni, the Ndebele and the Kololo all stole cows from the Tonga, who had the greatest number of cows per man, in Southern Africa. The Ngoni stole cows from the Tonga when they first went to Mozambique under Zwangendaba, and again when Zwangendaba was crossing the Zambezi, and again when the settled in Eastern Province, where they would launch raids into Tonga country for cattle and women. At that time, Tonga land stretched all the walk Ching’ombe, which is now on the border of Central, Muchinga and Eastern Province..The cows will be for the one who can raise them
Wow, this is great development for us,as the Zambia people but before the project starts let’s look on those five important questions ofproject Management.
The writer knows his subject very well. However, the problem with us Zambians is that we have too many book-worms who have ideas on paper which are never really applicable in our current set-up. Consequently, we end up being frustrated because we realize later that those very brilliant paper ideas are not working. The best is try them on a small scale and expand. How can people take it serious without even a simple example of were the idea was applied to show it works.
Why didn’t the author include a picture of the invasive plant (Mimosa Pigra) for illustration purposes?
Exactly what I was thinking, instead they show us a picture of a bull that everyone has seen a million times in their lives…