Bikita District

Bikita is a district in the Masvingo Province of Zimbabwe. It is located about 80 km east of Masvingo. Its name probably is derived from the Shona word Dikita which means antbear, which describes the shape of a nearby hill. The district used to be known as Denga which means up in the clouds and has moved several times to different locations. The surrounding area is mined for lithium. The reputed to have the largest reserve of petalite in the world.

Geography

Climate

Bikita District is the third driest district in Masvingo after Chivi and Chiredzi and is perennially-plagued by food shortages induced by low rains.

Livestock maladies

The district with annually harangued by livestock diseases like anthrax and foot and mouth. On occasion these maladies even affect the populace, with a number of people dying. Sometimes there are even outbreaks of cholera. Bikita district is defined by the presence of stinkbugs called in vernicular harurwa. These insects are a delicacy to the locals and poison to the exotic.