Farmers’ perceptions on the impact of dams on livestock dynamics in drought-prone initial resettlement schemes: a case of Mushandike (masvingo)

A study was carried out to investigate farmers’ perceptions on the impact of Mushandike dam on livestock dynamics in an initial resettlement scheme, located in a drought prone area. The study focused on farmers resettled in Mushandike resettlement scheme who depend on a dam located upstream in Mushandike Sanctuary, Masvingo. Data were collected through focal group interviews and structured questionnaires that were administered to local farmers and agricultural extension workers. Farmers were selected from the 9 villages in Mushandike resettlement scheme. More than 70% (42) of the interviewees perceived that cattle numbers had decreased during the past 12 years, despite the presence of dam. Donkeys (90%) and goats (100%) were generally perceived to have increased over the same period. A large majority (80%) reported that the dam had little impact on cattle production, mainly due to inequitable allocation of the water resource. Chief among perceived causes of low cattle population trends were reduced water flow, frequent droughts and loss of grazing areas. Surprisingly, very few (2%) respondents pointed out the impact of climate change on livestock population dynamics. Reduced water flow in canals to the villages and competing water resource demands impacted negatively on cattle production. This study concluded that in the face of competing water resource claims and the climate change phenomena, cattle production is at risk.