By Winston Muleba JR
Zambia has vast resource endowment in
terms of natural resources: land, wildlife and water, indicating the high potential to expand and/or excel development according to Zambia Development Agency (ZDA).
ZDA further indicates that the country has a total land area of 75 million hectares (752,000 square km), out of which 58% (42 million hectares) is classified as medium to high potential for agricultural production.
And because the country is blessed with abundant land and water, many Zambians have ventured into farming as a source of their livelihood.
Some studies indicates that the agriculture sector in Zambia employs an estimated 85 percent of the country’s workforce but, because of low productivity and other challenges, contributes only about 8 percent to GDP growth.
Research shows that improved productivity on Zambia’s abundant arable land has been held back by a lack of investment in rural infrastructure, extension services, research and development.
However, Zambians are doing great things in farming, they have embraced farming as a business but 'among other challenges' that most farmers complain about in their farming activities is the heavy infestation of snakes and destructive pests on their farms and homes.
According to a 2015 United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity Fifth National report generated by Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the diversity of reptiles (lizards, snakes and tortoises) in Zambia is estimated at 156 species. A total of 45 species are considered rare because they have been recorded in only one locality.
As such, while most snakes are nonpoisonous and tend to avoid contact with people when given the chance, they can still give quite a scare.
But the truth is snakes are a very important part of the ecosystem and should only be undesirable in the garden and home, if they are venomous and pose a danger to a family or pets. Else, they should be left to do their thing; most times they are never seen.
Studies indicates that during spring and fall, temperatures are perfect for snakes to be out and about during the day. Not too cold, not too hot, just right for startling unsuspecting gardeners who are also outside taking advantage of the pleasant weather. And during the summer, you need to watch out for snakes more in the early morning and at night, but they’re likely to be hidden away someplace dark and cool during the heat of the day.
The best way to avoid trouble with snakes
is to understand their habits and how to avoid close contact with them. Follow these tips:
1. Avoid snake habitat:
In general, snakes hang out in damp, cool, protected areas. Watch out for them around
rocky streams, wooded areas, retaining walls, garages, or anyplace around your farm or house where there might be cave
like conditions. Keep debris and wood piles far away from your house, and screen off underneath porches and crawl spaces to keep snakes out.
2. Watering attracts snakes:
If you keep your lawn and garden well irrigated, you’re more likely to attract frogs, lizards, birds, and rodents which attract snakes. Well-watered, mulched areas (such as shrub beds and vegetable gardens) also offer cool shelter for snakes in summer, so be careful when walking or working in these areas.
3. Control rodents:
Snakes eat rodents, small reptiles, and
birds. To minimize snakes around your house, keep bird feeders and nesting boxes away from the house, and work to reduce the rodent population.
4. Know where to find snakes:
On hot days especially, watch out for snakes in shady, cool areas – such as under
your car or beneath piles of wood or debris. On cold days, expect to find snakes warming themselves in the sun, on a
warm rock, or even a driveway or car engine. On perfect spring and fall days, keep an eye out most anywhere!
5. Understand snake temperament:
Snakes are rather sluggish in early spring when they first come out of hibernation, and in late fall when they’re getting ready to sleep again. During these times, they may be too inactive to move out of the way or warn you before striking. During
warmer months snakes are more active and fast-moving, so you may get more warning before they strike, but they can also be more energetic and aggressive.
6. Lift Carefully:
When lifting something off the ground that
could have a snake underneath, use a pole, and lift it toward you, so that the object will be between you and the
snake. If you lift it away from you, the snake – if there is one – is more likely to run over your foot!
7. Don’t tiptoe:
Snakes don’t hear very well, but they’re great
at picking up vibrations. Make plenty of noise when hiking
or working outdoors, so that neither of you is startled.
8. Stay vigilant:
Watch where you walk and reach, especially
in areas with rocks or crevices.
9. Remain on the beaten path:
When walking outdoors,
stick to open paths and steer clear of overgrown areas or
fallen logs.
10. Respect snakes space:
If you see a snake, don’t panic;
just slowly move away. Don’t try to make the snake move;
if it’s in your way, simply wait for the snake to leave.
Snakes will move on once they’ve exhausted the food
source, so unless you have a never-ending rodent
population, they’re likely not to hang around your yard
forever.
______________
About the Author:
Winston Muleba Junior is a Researcher, Citizen Journalist, Aquaculturist, Writer and Disaster Management Practitioner who uses media and ICT to promote environmental conservation; science, technology and innovation. He gravitates towards environment: water, aquaculture, land, climate change and agriculture as he is skilled at juxtaposing the latest research and expert opinion with the everyday lives and struggles of people on the ground.
Email: mwenyamuleba@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment