Chief fears looming drought

The drought has placed significant strain on both livestock and food production farmers as they are grappling with the scarcity of grazing as well as the financial burden of sourcing alternative feed for both themselves and their livestock.

This according to Chief of the Ombalanhu Traditional Authority Oswin Mukulu, who raised his concerns to vice-president Nangolo Mbumba over the weekend at the Omagongo Cultural Festival.

“We are expecting drought this year. There will be no food for our people and their livestock,” he said.

Ombalanhu Traditional Authority spokesperson Isdor Kanelombe added that while they usually have mahangu stored up for when times are tough or drought strikes, this time they have not managed to store even half of the capacity because of poor rainfall.

“The storage facilities are empty. This is why the chief said it will be hard in the coming months.”

Low rainfall

I-Ben Nashandi, the executive director in the Office of the Prime Minister, said Namibia entered the 2022/23 rainy season with high hopes for normal to above-normal rainfall.

However, the actual rainfall contrasted earlier predictions in almost all parts of the country, he said.

This while regional indications are still pointing to suppressed rainfall for next rainfall season.

As a consequence, the country has experienced depressed or no crop harvests in most regions, Nashandi said.

“This will lead to food insecurity, which creates vulnerability to livelihood. Some of the pertinent factors contributing to food insecurity are droughts, climate shocks, hindered agricultural potential and high inflation for food stuffs, fuelled by global geopolitics. And if these situations are prolonged, we face disasters caused by droughts and lack of water,” he warned.

Govt to assist farmers

Nashandi said the agriculture ministry will provide assistance to livestock farmers in drought-stricken areas.

The livestock support programme, currently available in Kunene, parts of Erongo and Omusati, will be extended to Omaheke, Hardap, and //Karas for a period of six months.

“The programme will run from 1 July to 31 December 2023. The identification of the relief assistance follows set criteria, so that only those in great need are assisted.”