Livestock Production in Mwenezi District has become more susceptible to the devastating effects of climatic variability and change which are undermining expected developmental gains from the livestock value chain. Climate change and its associated impacts are increasing the intensity of livestock poverty and deaths across all forms of livestock. The study examined livestock production interventions implemented to reduce livestock poverty deaths in Mwenezi District. A descriptive research design which utilizes both qualitative and quantitative paradigms was used in this study to accurately and systematically describe the phenomenon. A household survey questionnaire was administered to sampled households in Mwenezi District wards 4 and 10 while Interviews were conducted with purposively selected key informants from the department Agriculture Technical and Extension Services (AGRITEX), Veterinary Services Department, Rural District Council, CARE and District Development Coordinator’s Office. The study revealed various interventions that have been initiated to contain livestock poverty deaths. Some of the identified mechanisms include construction of improved livestock structures, availing of safe drinking water for livestock and livestock feed formulation. These interventions reduced livestock vulnerability to poverty deaths. The study recommends that development actors should initiate more interventions to boost the livestock production sector since it is the most suitable intervention in relation to climate and weather conditions experienced in Chiredzi District.
Keywords: Livestock production, Mwenezi District, poverty deaths, fodder production, livestock forms.