Zimbabwe ramps up cattle vaccinations ahead of 2026/27 El Niño threat

Zimbabwe ramps up cattle vaccinations ahead of 2026/27 El Niño threat

For all the News from Mashonaland Central, Join One of Our Groups

Government says it is intensifying livestock protection measures ahead of forecasts pointing to a possible El Niño weather pattern in the 2026/27 agricultural season, which could increase the risk of climate-related cattle diseases.

The move includes expanded cattle vaccination programmes under the Early Warning-Early Action programme, aimed at reducing the impact of disease outbreaks that typically worsen during periods of heat stress and shifting rainfall patterns.

In Masvingo Province, villagers in Zimuto were recently seen attending a cattle vaccination programme, with some farmers saying the intervention is easing fears of renewed losses following last year’s January Disease outbreak.

Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Director Dr Kramer Manyetu said the vaccination drive has surpassed initial targets in hotspot areas that have recorded cattle diseases over the past decade. “Our target was to do 130 000 cattle across the province in what we call hotspots; these are areas which have had cattle disease over the last 10 years. Government has provided more than enough resources; we are now over 160 000. Our coverage has outpaced what we had targeted and we are sure that in case of any disease outbreaks, our cattle will be adequately protected,” Dr Manyetu said.

To Advertise Inbox Us

Nationally, Government says more than one million cattle have been vaccinated ahead of the 2026/27 summer season, when the anticipated El Niño phenomenon is expected to heighten disease outbreak risks for cattle.

For farmers, the programme is also presented as a protection of household assets and a buffer against rising costs associated with buying vaccines privately. Masvingo farmer Sarah Chimbuya said she lost eight cattle during a January Disease outbreak and could not afford all the vaccines required at the time. “I lost eight cattle when the January Disease affected our area. I did not have enough money to buy all the vaccines that were needed. So I am really thankful for this government-led programme which is coming to cushion us as farmers,” she said.

Internationally, the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guetteres has also commented on predictions of a “Super El Niño” forecast for this year, as countries brace for potentially disruptive climate conditions.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, Professor Obert Jiri, said Zimbabwe has adopted a broader strategy meant to strengthen agricultural resilience, including climate-smart production methods, insurance products and pre-season planning. “Climate-smart production is crucial. Beyond Pfumvudza, which conserves water, we must also expand the use of weather-indexed insurance and sovereign risk insurance to protect farmers and the country against climate shocks. As we prepare for the next summer season, Government is implementing six major strategies. These include strengthening strategic grain reserves, promoting climate-smart agriculture, expanding irrigation development, mobilising agricultural financing, engaging financial institutions to support farmers, and ensuring adequate inputs are available before the start of the season,” Prof Jiri said.

President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged increased investment in climate-resilient agriculture and early preparations for predicted adverse conditions. “It is pleasing that our country’s economy remains on a positive growth trajectory. Permutations reflect that the nation is yet again poised for another landmark wheat harvest. The need to bolster agriculture production and productivity, particularly ahead of the predicted 2026-2027 El Niño disruptive weather, cannot be ignored,” he said.

Government says drought mitigation measures have also been activated as part of a responsive strategy intended to reduce the forecast impacts of El Niño during the 2026-2027 summer season.

Follow Our WhatsApp Channel for all the News from Mashonaland Central – Bindura, Mbire, Guruve, Mount Darwin, Rushinga, Shamva, Mazowe & Muzarabani