By Courage Dutiro
The Environmental Management Agency (EMA) has warned people against starting veld fires as we entered the fire season, saying communities and farmers should construct more fire guards.
EMA Masvingo provincial spokesperson Munyaradzi Mtisi encouraged communities and farmers to create standard firebreaks around their properties to avoid losses.
“We are encouraging communities and farmers to construct standard fire guards (9m width) around their premises and farms. We also encourage the establishment of firefighting teams that are trained and well-capacitated to fight veld fires,” said Mtisi.
“Last year we received very low rainfall. This has resulted in low biomass being produced. So there is a need for farmers to practice hay bailing to secure enough feed for their livestock and at the same time managing veld fires. Due to low rainfall received it means much of the biomass is already dry and this makes most areas prone to veld fires earlier than anticipated,” he added.
Even though the province had registered a decrease in veld fires, Chipinda village in Zaka district is still grappling with the aftermath of last season’s veld fires.
During the 2023 fire season on September 9, wildfires tore through Chipinda and Matsvare villages leaving some families without shelter.
Chipinda village head Green Komboni said the veld fire incident left a lasting scar as some families were forced to abandon their ancestral homes and relocate entirely from the village while some were still struggling to recover.
“The incident affected 9 families. Some were forced to abandon their ancestral homes and relocate entirely after the loss. Many families are still struggling to rebuild. Those who had only thatched-roof houses were hit hard; they were left without shelter,” said Chipinda.
The village head also said to reduce the impact of veld fire in the village they were holding meetings to raise awareness and alertness, urging villagers to notify others whenever they intend to use fire for clearing farmland.
“We are also encouraging each other to practice controlled fire to reduce the risk of spreading to other areas. We are also receiving assistance from EMA,” said Komboni.
In Masvingo province 82664.10 ha were burnt in 2022 and in 20213 the number of hectares affected reduced to 37460.75 ha. The province therefore, recorded a 54.7% decrease in veld fires during the 2023 season compared to 2022 in Masvingo province.
Loss of trees disrupt the ecosystems, contributing to both biodiversity loss and global warming.
Data from Global Forest Watch, an interactive online forest monitoring and alert system, showed that from 2001 to 2023, Masvingo district had the highest rate of tree cover loss due to fires with an average of 3 ha lost per year.
In Zimbabwe, the fire season begins on July 1 and ends on October 31 annually.
