Rural cattle farmers suffering through drought
No water for animals are a massive concern for rural farmers.
More than 30 000 livestock have died in KZN due to the drought and yet nothing much has been said about providing water in the rural areas for people who keep livestock.
They cannot afford to drill boreholes for their animals, which are important sources of finance and for use in traditional ceremonies.
The Courier visited KwaLuthuli, a community in the Glendale Valley inland from Stanger, to find out how the cattle farmers are coping.
We spoke with Thokozani Luthuli who is looking after 23 cows to earn a living for himself. Since the drought began more than 15 cows in the herd Luthuli cares for have died.
Luthuli charges R60 a cow per month and with the death of 15 cows he has lost R900 of his monthly income.
“Since the rivers are dry, we depend on standpipes to get water for our cows and goats. When there is no water in the stand pipes, Ilembe sends water trucks. Of that water we set aside at least 50 litres for the cows,” said Luthuli.
The 23 cows have to share the 50 litres, but that is not enough because each cow needs more than 50 litres of water a day.
According to Ballito Vet Hospital veterinarian Kerri Sachs, a 400 kg cow needs about 80 litres a day and if the cow is producing milk for its calf, it needs about 140 litres a day to be healthy.
“But it all depends on the size of the cow. But no matter how big it may be it still needs plenty of water to survive, considering that a calf needs about 50 litres per day,” said Sachs.
She also said when they drink standing water, they are in a high risk of picking up diseases.
Simon Zakwe who owns nine cows said his cows are important to him as he depends on them to get money to cover all his family needs.
“The cheapest cow starts at R7000 and when I sell a cow I will be able to save for emergency situations. I am very worried that I may lose all my cattle,” said Zakwe.
Luthuli and Zakwe said they wish they could buy at least two Jojo tanks for their area and ask the government to help them fill up the tanks, for their livestock only.
“Then there will be enough water for us and for the animals in the area. Yes, they will not get the amount of water they require every day but it will be better than what they get now,” said Zakwe.
