‘Veld fires can destroy 13% of Zim’s field’

At least 13.27% of Zimbabwe’s rural areas are at extremely high risk of being engulfed by veld fires, with four provinces prone to the threat, a cabinet minister has said.

Zimbabwe launched this year’s National Veld Fire Week in Bulawayo under the theme: “Preventing Veld Fires: Protecting the Environment and Livelihoods”.

Every year, fire week is launched in the second week of May, according to the country’s National Fire Strategy.

Speaking at the launch of Waterford Fire Week in Bulawayo on Sunday this week, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Minister Sithembiso Nyoni said Zimbabwe was facing extreme fire risks due to the El Niño climate phenomenon.

“Low risk areas cover 12.42%, while extremely high risk areas for savannah fires cover 13.27% of the country,” he said.

The provinces most exposed to veld fires are Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West and Manicaland.

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“Districts that are at extreme risk are Nyanga, Mutasa, Makoni, Mutare, Bindura, Marondera, Chikomba, Hwedza, Harare and Zvimba. “The Veld fires have a direct impact on agriculture, resulting in the destruction of crops, grains, pastures, equipment and subsequent food shortages, financial and job losses.”

Over the years, savanna fires have had a direct impact on agriculture, causing the destruction of crops, grain, pasture, equipment and job losses. The fires have also claimed many lives.

“Over time, this has negative impacts on the country’s gross domestic product and food security,” he said.

Zimbabwe has a savanna ecosystem with seasonal variations from a hot, humid summer to a cold, dry winter, increasing its susceptibility to savanna fires, especially during the dry period.

“In general, the dry season increases fuel load due to dry grasslands and the presence of windy conditions, thus creating fertile ground for starting fires in the veld.

“However, fires are normal in the Savannah ecosystem, but what becomes problematic are veld fires that are often uncontrolled and result in the loss of large tracts of land, property and lives.

“The fire season is from July 31 to October 31. The country is currently experiencing El Niño-induced effects with a likely prolonged dry season, again increasing vulnerability to savanna fires,” he added. This year’s veld fire restriction period will run from July 1 to November 30.

“In 2023, a cumulative total of 858,361.9 hectares were destroyed by veld fires in 3,717 veld fire incidents, while the average area burned per fire incident was 230.9 hectares, up from 233 hectares in 2022.” , said.

However, there was a near 50% reduction in the area affected by veld fires compared to the 1,730,265 hectares destroyed in 2022.

“The decrease in the average areas burned in 2023 was largely attributed to the technical assistance provided to communities, environmental education, training and capacity development, and awareness campaigns carried out throughout the country in collaboration with various concerned parties. Unfortunately, during the same fire restriction period, one life was lost,” he added.

The number of deaths due to veld fires decreased by 94% in the 2023 season compared to 2022.

The Veld fires claimed more than 100 people between 2013 and 2023.