In Zimbabwe, where agriculture is a cornerstone of many communities, the increasing threat of veld fires is exacerbated by climate change. Like other Southern African nations, the country faces unpredictable weather patterns, including droughts and intense heat, which contribute to more frequent and severe fires, jeopardizing both livelihoods and natural resources.
As global temperatures rise and the dry season approaches (typically May to October), reduced rainfall dries out vegetation, creating ideal conditions for ignition. While less frequent, lightning strikes can still spark fires in these arid landscapes.
Unfortunately, human activities remain significant contributors, including slash-and-burn agriculture, charcoal production, uncontrolled land clearing, unattended campfires, and discarded cigarette butts. Once ignited, these fires can spread rapidly, threatening lives, forests, agriculture, and livelihoods, causing millions in annual damages.
Alec Philp, Director at Cutting Edge – Zimbabwe, emphasizes, “The best way to reduce fire risks is through proactive strategies and constant preparedness.”
Tips for Farmers and Smallholders to Prepare for Fire Season:
- Establish Fire Breaks: If firebreaks are not already part of your routine, now is the time to implement them. Clear wide strips of land (10-20 meters) around your property, removing dry vegetation. Ideally, do this in late autumn or early winter to allow the firebreak to become established before the peak of the dry season. In addition to clearing, controlled burns—safely burning small areas under appropriate conditions—can reduce flammable material, slow wildfires, and even improve soil health. Conduct controlled burns in calm weather, allowing the fire to burn inward against the wind. Maintain firebreaks regularly throughout the dry season to ensure their effectiveness.
- Enhance Skills and Equipment: A firebreak alone is insufficient; it provides a safe zone to work from. Backburning, beating, and other firefighting techniques are still necessary to prevent fire spread. Therefore, proper training and adequate equipment for everyone are crucial for effective fire management.
- Invest in Quality: Saving money on inferior equipment can be a costly mistake when facing a raging fire. Invest in reliable, high-quality machinery, such as Husqvarna’s, to ensure optimal performance when it’s needed most.
- Maintain Readiness: Before fire season, inspect and service all essential firefighting equipment. Ensure fire beaters are intact, water pumps (if available) are operational, and chainsaws or tractors are ready for use. Keep tools easily accessible for immediate use. Preparedness can be critical in an emergency.
- Foster Shared Responsibility: Fire defense should not depend on a single individual. Everyone in the community must know who to contact and what actions to take in an emergency. Having multiple prepared individuals who can take charge creates a more resilient and collective fire response system.
Philp reiterates that the key to managing wildfire risk is proactive preparedness, not reactive response.
“In Zimbabwe, where fire risks are inherent, communities must unite, remain prepared, and take decisive action. With the right tools and a strong support network, everyone can contribute to protecting their land and livelihoods when it truly matters,” he concludes.
This article was first published by Husqvarna – https://www.husqvarna.com/zw/