Authorities urge farmers to stock two years' livestock feed

Authorities urge farmers to stock two years' worth of livestock feed as Zimbabwe prepares for potential drought and worsening grazing conditions, with the government warning of below-normal rainfall in the coming season and allocating funds for feed subsidies. The feed stockpiling is part of a broader disaster preparedness plan. The advice comes as the country faces a possible El Niño-induced dry spell, with the Meteorological Department issuing a drought alert, and farmers are advised to start stocking now. The government is encouraging early preparation to reduce livestock losses, which have been severe in past droughts. The move aims to mitigate the critical impact of drought on livestock, which has been a significant concern in previous dry spells, also to ensure food security for rural communities, and to protect the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.