Zimbabwe is becoming increasingly prone to wildfires, and this year the threat came dangerously close to our orchards in Chipinge. A fast-moving bush fire, driven by dry conditions and strong winds, advanced rapidly towards our plantation boundary.
Thankfully, our team had prepared fireguards ahead of time — cleared strips of land around the perimeter of the orchard that act as firebreaks. This proactive measure is something we do every year before the dry season, and this time it proved absolutely critical.
Despite the fireguards, the intensity of the blaze meant our workers still had to fight fearlessly to prevent the fire from jumping the breaks and reaching our trees. Armed with water tanks and beaters, they worked tirelessly to contain the threat. Their bravery and dedication saved the plantation.
Wildfire risk is a growing concern for farmers across southern Africa as climate patterns shift. We're now investing in additional firebreak infrastructure and exploring early warning systems to give us more response time. For any macadamia farmer in the region, fire preparedness isn't optional — it's essential.