ZAS 2026 | POWERING GROWTH | PROTECTING LIVESTOCK & FARMER VALUE

With drought preparedness taking centre stage, Zimbabwe’s Livestock Drought Mitigation Strategy is strengthening Early Warning–Early Action measures to protect livestock, livelihoods and farmer incomes. The strategy focuses on assessing cattle at risk, grazing and water availability, feed and fodder requirements, disease prevention and vaccination, while accelerating the development of Water Drought Mitigation Centres. These centres will go beyond providing water. They will support livestock watering, pasture and crop production through solar-powered irrigation, animal handling, coordinated feeding and structured access to markets. Importantly, the centres will help create more direct and transparent market channels for farmers, reducing reliance on middlemen and protecting livestock producers from unfair trading practices, distress sales and uneconomic prices, particularly during periods of drought when farmers are most vulnerable. The strategy also promotes small livestock and fisheries as resilient livelihood options, while strengthening protection against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and tick-borne diseases, including January Disease. 🌾 At ZAS 2026, the message is clear: drought preparedness is not only about keeping livestock alive—it is about protecting farmer livelihoods, strengthening market access and ensuring farmers receive fair value for their livestock. Early Warning. Early Action. Stronger Livestock. Protected Farmers. #ZAS2026 #PoweringGrowth #EWEA #LivestockResilience #MarketAccess