Agricultural officials advised Zimbabwe farmers to cover their crops for protection against unusually cold conditions during the first week of July. The advisory is rare for the tropical African nation, but necessary to protect current food production.
According to Zimbabwe’s Meteorological Services Department, the cold temperatures affect more than crop production. “The cold affects sectors such as health as well as tourism, sports and recreation (as demand decreases).”
Norton farmer, Mr Fungai Chitima, said the cold weather did not only affect livestock and crops but also affected farmers.
“Farmers should also keep warm so they do not fall ill. This weather affects livestock farmers who take their animals for grazing and watering. This means there will be reduced time for grazing and this can affect the animals.