Zimbabwean government Intensifies efforts to combat tsetse fly infestation in Mashonaland West, home to 80% of the nation's infested land The Zimbabwean government is making significant progress in its efforts to control the tsetse fly, particularly in Mashonaland West Province, which is home to 80 percent of the country’s infested land. This week, the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development is convening a provincial strategic review meeting in Banket, focusing on the imperative of sustaining high levels of crop and animal production. However, the province's animal production is under threat from the tsetse fly, with reports indicating that Mashonaland West accounts for over 80 percent of the 18,400 square kilometers of infested land nationwide. Mr. Alban Mhindurwa, Director in the Department of Tsetse Control Services, stated that a comprehensive government approach has been initiated to eradicate the tsetse fly from the Matusadonha National Park, identified as a key breeding ground. “The remaining tsetse-infested area in the country is approximately 18,400 square kilometers, with 80 percent located in Mashonaland West. Our current focus is on eliminating the problem from the remaining communal areas, which account for 3,600 square kilometers,” he explained. Mrs. Medlinah Magwenzi, the Provincial Director in the ministry, highlighted that the review workshop aims to unify operations among all relevant stakeholders. “We held a ministerial strategic workshop last year, and now we are meeting at the provincial level to ensure that the ministry, departments, agencies, and partners are aligned in their objectives. This collaboration is crucial for strengthening our key pillars, which include increased food production, security, and the promotion of nutrition,” she said. Mr. Douglas Chiwiro, Director in the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, emphasised the necessity of a unified government approach to provincial development. “The GDP of Mashonaland West Province is heavily reliant on agriculture, making this meeting vital for refining our operations in alignment with the National Development Strategy 1 and 2. As a provincial government, we will continue to coordinate development efforts in support of our national vision,” he stated. Tsetse flies are known to transmit parasites that cause sleeping sickness in humans and trypanosomiasis in animals, underscoring the urgency of effective control measures.