Smallholder Dairy Farmers Urged to Embrace Fodder Flow Planning for Year-Round Productivity
Smallholder dairy farmers across Zimbabwe are being encouraged to adopt fodder flow planning as a key strategy to ensure consistent feed supply, boost milk yields, and enhance resilience against climate-related challenges. The call comes amid growing interest in dairy farming as a source of income and food security for thousands of households in regions spanning from the lush plains of Region II to the more arid landscapes of Region IV.
Despite this growth, one of the major setbacks remains seasonal feed shortages, particularly between August and October, which severely impact productivity. “A persistent feed shortage during the dry season weakens herd health, lowers fertility, and drastically reduces milk output,” said Marlon Chawarika, a research officer at the Grasslands Research Institute.
Many small-scale farmers continue to depend on natural pastures that fluctuate with rainfall, making their dairy operations vulnerable during dry periods. To address this, the Grasslands Research Institute is championing fodder flow planning—an organised approach to growing, storing, and managing livestock feed in alignment with seasonal cycles and livestock requirements.
“Fodder flow planning is not just about planting grass. It’s about aligning crop cycles with livestock needs,” Chawarika explained. “If farmers begin treating fodder like a cash crop, they’ll cut costs, improve output, and build resilience against climate shocks.”
The institute has developed two fodder flow models tailored to Zimbabwe’s different agro-ecological zones. In rain-fed regions like III and IV, farmers are advised to grow hardy pasture grasses such as Rhodes and Star Grass, incorporate legumes like Desmodium and Siratro, and conserve surplus feed as hay or silage for the dry season. Crops such as Napier Grass and leguminous trees like Leucaena are also recommended for their drought-tolerant qualities.
In irrigated zones like Region II, where year-round feed production is possible, farmers are encouraged to cultivate green crops like kikuyu, lucerne, ryegrass and oats, supported by rotational grazing systems and regular silage production to maintain high-quality feed throughout the year.
Chawarika emphasised that success in fodder flow planning relies on sound agronomic practices, including soil testing, timely liming, the use of certified seeds, and efficient irrigation systems. “Fodder flow is the backbone of sustainable dairy,” he said. “We urge all smallholders to plan ahead and reduce reliance on expensive commercial feeds.”
As Zimbabwe works toward achieving national milk self-sufficiency, experts believe that shifting the smallholder mindset from simply raising livestock to strategically farming for fodder can unlock greater productivity and profitability. With proper planning and modern techniques, smallholder dairy farmers can not only survive but thrive, even in the face of changing climate patterns.
