Farmers in Mulanje district, Malawi are facing significant challenges in feeding their cattle as drought conditions worsen in the region. Young men like Lawrence Abison are now traveling approximately 27 kilometers from their villages to riverbanks to cut grass and other vegetation, a journey that requires them to leave at dawn and spend hours gathering enough fodder to sustain just a small herd for a single day. This extended travel represents a shift from previous years, when such journeys were unnecessary or began much later in the season.
The underlying cause of the fodder shortage stems from broader climate patterns affecting southern Africa. Malawi experienced dry spells and elevated temperatures during the 2023/24 rainfall season, with El Nino contributing to disrupted rainfall patterns across the region. Meteorological authorities had warned of below-normal rainfall and prolonged dry periods, with southern areas of the country identified as particularly vulnerable to drought conditions.
Beyond the immediate scarcity of grass, farmers are confronting multiple interconnected pressures. The cost of supplementary feed, particularly maize bran, has risen as harvests have declined. Additionally, competition for riverside vegetation has intensified, as people from various communities gather reeds for mat-making and grass for livestock. Local landowners point to agricultural cultivation along riverbanks as exacerbating the problem, reducing both water availability and vegetation growth. These changes have visibly altered the landscape, with observers noting that tree cover has diminished significantly and waterways have become shallower.
The economic impact on farming families is substantial. Cattle owners such as Macdonald Khandalawo report declining milk production as animals receive less food and supplementary feed becomes more expensive. A milk cooperative in the region has begun sharing strategies for managing shortages, including storing crop residues from harvest season. However, farmers remain uncertain about the long-term viability of maintaining their herds under current conditions, with some directing most of their income toward feeding costs rather than household needs.
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