By Tatiana Mhararira
Farmers in ward 24, Chief Bota area around Mushungwa Mountain in Zaka are facing a triple threat to their crops, as wild animals, excessive rainfall, and the fall army worm converge to wreak havoc on their livelihoods.
Baboons and wild pigs are roaming the area, destroying crops and keeping farmers on high alert day and night. The situation becomes even more perilous at night, as those who guard their fields risk encountering hyenas that also roam the area.
The wildlife menace has added to the woes of farmers in low-lying areas, who were already struggling with excessive rainfall that threatened to destroy their crops.
Headman Nheya born Runesu Cosmas Sananguro said the problem of wild animals invading fields had been a challenge every year in the area for years now.
“The problem keeps persisting each year and it is like these wild animals have got a calendar. Every year around this time, they start coming to our fields in large numbers feasting on our maize and other crops every chance they get.
He said after harvesting the wild pig menace will be gone but the baboons will invade homes taking chickens and other foodstuffs they can get hold of.
“After harvesting, the baboons come in troops taking young goats, chickens and any other poultry. They are not scared of people and that leaves us wondering if they are mere baboons,” said Sananguro.
He said locals had resorted to guarding fields day and night, a development that was unbearable to many as some do not have the manpower.
“The situation has become so dire that some farmers have resorted to safeguarding their fields at night, armed with torches and sticks. We cannot sleep at night as we are constantly on the lookout for these troublesome animals,” said Sananguro.
Local Councillor Zivanai Zvada told TellZim News that he had written a letter to the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) among other stakeholders but no action had been taken.
“If the situation continues like this then the villagers will be doomed. The animals are so many and if no action is taken, villagers will be left without food. I have written to the local CPU and council but no action has been taken so far and I am worried as a councillor,” said Zvada.
Another villager Seraphin Chikake told TellZim News the baboon troops travel along in large numbers and so far they have lost a bigger part of their crops.
“Baboons move in large troops and approximately these baboons have 4 groups with each group having about 60 baboons and if 30 baboons get into the field after 10 minutes there will be a great loss in the field that is during the day.
“Just after sunset wild pigs will start eating in the fields from around 1900 hours to 0400 hours in the morning. If one wants to travel they have to leave home early morning around 0500hours.We are already sleeping in the fields because the wild pigs move in groups of five,” said Chikake.
He said they were appealing for assistance to drive away the animals.
“We are seeking assistance so that these animals maybe chased away.
so that we get rest and we can look forward to better harvests,” he added.
The impact of baboons and wild pigs on the farmers’ livelihoods cannot be overstated. Many have reported significant losses.
The villages that have been affected by these baboons are Nheya, Zvada Chibwowa, Chikono Pikiti, Denhere, Kusara, Zvinavakobvu, Mahove and Mujabuki.
