Qacha’s Nek — As snow blankets Qacha’s Nek, wool and mohair farmers fear the harsh weather could result in livestock losses, with pregnant goats expected to kid next month considered among the most vulnerable.

Speaking to the Agency, Chairperson of the Qacha’s Nek Wool and Mohair Growers Association (QWMGA), Mr. Mothibeli Makhetha, said farmers were concerned about animals kept at cattle posts following Wednesday’s snowfall, which was accompanied by intermittent rainfall and lightning.

The snowfall came after a weekly weather brief issued by the Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) on July 24, which forecast snow over high-lying areas between July 28 and 30, along with cold to very cold temperatures. The Disaster Management Authority (DMA) also urged livestock owners to take precautionary measures ahead of the anticipated severe weather.

Mr. Makhetha said while farmers had been aware of the forecast, weather predictions were based on probabilities, making it difficult to determine the severity of conditions until they occurred. “Our fear as farmers is the situation at the cattle posts as  we are not even able to communicate with the herders due to poor network coverage,” he said.

He said snowfall in the highlands often signals the start of a prolonged period of feed shortages, as grazing conditions only begin to recover around November. Mr. Makhetha said no deaths had been reported so far, although attempts to contact some farmers had been unsuccessful due to communication challenges.

“I am scared we will lose some animals,  our preparedness wasn’t good. There is a huge possibility of losses,” he said.

He added that goats expected to give birth in August were of particular concern, as freezing temperatures could endanger both the goats and their newborns.

Farmers remain hopeful that the snowfall will not have a lasting impact on their herds, although the extent of the cold spell’s effects on the district’s wool and mohair industry will only become clearer in the coming days.

Image by News-Desk Lesotho