Batswana should brace themselves for another drought year after the other one last year. But this year it looks to be even more severe. The signs are quite evident but we are only in April.
For the first time in history, Kolobeng stream that runs through Manyana, Mmankgodi and Kumakwane, which have provided a lifeline for the people of the mentioned villages and their livestock, is already dry. This poses a serious threat to pastoral farming in the areas mentioned, especially cattle farming as that means they won’t have anywhere to water their cattle. Water is a critical necessity in the cattle industry! Its absence simply means there is no life.
The area between Manyana and Mmankgodi and some parts next to Kumakwane are infested with a poisonous plant called mogau, which is deadly to cattle especially on a drought year.
It would therefore be prudent to advise cattle farmers in this area to avoid a catastrophic situation which will clearly result from the impending drought, by selling their herds or part of it and lock the money in banks for a possible restocking when the situation normalizes. Selling their animals now while they are still in good shape will be the wisest move.
I am aware that Batswana in general tend to have sentimental attachment to their livestock and always find it difficult to sell or slaughter them. But there seem to be no other way this time; this drought is going to be devastating with debilitating economic and social effects. Forewarned is fore armed. Sell your animals now and spare yourselves the agony of losing animals to drought!