Farmers Under Siege: Wild Animals, Torrential Rains, and Army Worms Devastate Zaka Crops
Farmers in Ward 24, Chief Bota area near Mushungwa Mountain, are battling a relentless assault on their crops as nature unleashes a triple disaster—wild animals, excessive rains, and the destructive fall armyworm.
Baboons and wild pigs have turned their fields into feasting grounds, leaving farmers fighting day and night to protect their livelihoods. By nightfall, the danger escalates as prowling hyenas add to the terror, forcing villagers to risk their lives to defend what’s left of their crops.
Local leader Headman Nheya (Runesu Cosmas Sananguro) says the wildlife invasion has become an annual nightmare.
“It’s like these animals have a calendar. Every year, right on schedule, they flood our fields, devouring maize and other crops. After harvest, the wild pigs may disappear, but the baboons don’t stop—they invade homes, snatching chickens, young goats, and any food they can find.
“These creatures aren’t even afraid of people anymore, and that makes us wonder… are they just baboons?”
The relentless attacks have left villagers exhausted. Many have resorted to camping in their fields, armed with nothing but torches and sticks, braving the darkness in a desperate attempt to fend off the pests.
Councillor Zivanai Zvada says authorities have been alerted, but no action has been taken.
“If this continues, the villagers will be doomed. These animals are multiplying, and if nothing is done, there will be nothing left to eat.
“I have written to the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and council, but so far, silence. As a leader, I am deeply worried.”
According to Tellzim, Villager Seraphin Chikake paints a grim picture of the situation:
“Baboons attack in massive troops—at least four groups, each with around 60 baboons. If just 30 of them invade a field, within 10 minutes, the damage is catastrophic.
“Then, at night, wild pigs take over, feasting from 7 PM until 4 AM. If you want to travel, you must leave home before dawn, otherwise, you might run into them.”
Desperate and drained, villagers are pleading for urgent intervention before they lose everything.
The worst-hit areas include Nheya, Zvada, Chibwowa, Chikono, Pikiti, Denhere, Kusara, Zvinavakobvu, Mahove, and Mujabuki.
With crops vanishing at an alarming rate and no help in sight, Zaka’s farmers are left asking: How much longer can they fight this losing battle?
