Living on the edge: Zimbabwe braces for brutal vel...

Living on the edge: Zimbabwe braces for brutal veld fire season fuelled by El Niño

Philemon Jambaya

ASSISTANT EDITOR

A thick blanket of smoke hangs heavy in the air, a grim reminder of the ever-present threat that haunts Zimbabwe’s rural communities – veld fires.

This year, the danger is more potent than ever. As the country gears up for its National Veld Fire Week under the slogan “Prevent Veld Fires — Protect the Environment and Livelihoods,” the spectre of El Niño looms large, threatening to turn dry tinderboxes into raging infernos.

Over 13% of Zimbabwe’s landmass, concentrated in the provinces of Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, and Manicaland, is classified as extremely vulnerable to veld fires. Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, Sithembiso Nyoni, painted a sobering picture during the launch of the fire week in Bulawayo.

“Veld fires have a direct impact on agriculture,” she explained, “resulting in the destruction of crops, pastures, equipment, and subsequent food shortages, financial losses, and job losses.”

The scars of past fire seasons are etched deep in the memories of many Zimbabweans. Veld fires have not only ravaged the environment and livelihoods, but tragically claimed lives. However, a glimmer of hope emerged in 2023.

“There was a near 50% reduction in the area affected by veld fires,” Minister Nyoni noted, crediting this progress to “technical assistance rendered to communities, environmental education, training and capacity development and awareness campaigns done countrywide.” The number of fire-related deaths also witnessed a drastic decline, dropping by a staggering 94% compared to 2022.

Yet, the spectre of El Niño casts a long shadow. This cyclical weather phenomenon is expected to exacerbate the dry season, creating a tinderbox primed for ignition. The official fire season runs from July 31 to October 31, but authorities are extending the fire restriction period to encompass a longer timeframe, from July 1 to November 30.

The battle against veld fires isn’t solely fought by firefighters. Community engagement is paramount. Creating fireguards, refraining from unnecessary burning practices, and reporting any uncontrolled fires immediately are all crucial steps in mitigating the risks. Minister Nyoni emphasised this shared responsibility, urging communities to be active participants in fire prevention efforts.