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BOOST: The forecast for normal to above-normal rainfall in most parts of the country could positively impact agriculture by boosting crop yields. Photo: REEN IN NAMIBIA
BOOST: The forecast for normal to above-normal rainfall in most parts of the country could positively impact agriculture by boosting crop yields. Photo: REEN IN NAMIBIA

Expected high rains a positive, but also risky

Ellanie Smit
While expectations of above-normal rainfall in most parts of the country are likely to have positive impacts on the agriculture and water sectors, they also carry risks such as flooding and infrastructural damage.

The Namibia Meteorological Service (NMS) has therefore called for a proactive approach to water management, emphasising the importance of regular monitoring of water bodies to mitigate the risks associated with flash floods and droughts.

According to the Namibia Seasonal Outlook for 2024/2025, produced by the NMS, the 2023/2024 rainfall season was characterised by a false onset and poorly distributed rainfall, with most of the country reporting below-average rainfall.

This was further aggravated by the fact that some regions, such as Erongo, Omusati and Kunene, were experiencing their fifth consecutive year of drought, while the ||Karas, Hardap, Khomas and parts of the Omaheke region were affected by a second year of drought.

“Extended dry spells within the rainy season led to crop failure necessitating drought relief in all regions of the country," the report states.

It notes that in the 2024/2025 rainfall season, the ||Karas and a bulk of the Hardap region have a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall during the October, November and December period.

“The remainder of the country, including the northeastern Hardap Region, have a high likelihood of above-normal rainfall.”

Put plans in place

The weather bureau said based on analysis by international forecasters, there will be a slow start to the season in October; however, increased rainfall is expected for the remainder of the period for the country.

The second part of the season from January to March is expected to have high chances of normal to above-normal rainfall for the entire country.

The NMS said it is crucial to update regional contingency plans to respond effectively to potential floods.

“Communities, especially farmers, are encouraged to harness the wet conditions through enhanced rainwater and floodwater harvesting, as well as efficient dam storage practices. In anticipation of water scarcity, southern regions should prioritise water conservation and manage water demand carefully.”

Make use of opportunity

Securing additional water resources, such as through the development of infrastructure like borehole drilling and water transfers, including desalination, is recommended to ensure a reliable water supply.

The weather office further said that the forecast for normal to above-normal rainfall in most parts of the country could positively impact agriculture by boosting crop yields, improving grazing conditions and replenishing water resources.

Both livestock and crop farmers are encouraged to prepare for a potentially favourable rainfall season.

“Specifically, crop farmers should take advantage of the rainfall during the first months of the season and optimally cultivate their crop fields.”

Furthermore, it said crop farmers should utilise various seed varieties at their disposal to maximise the benefits of the expected rainfall.

Livestock farmers, on the other hand, may also consider restocking their herds, as the improved rainfall is likely to lead to better grazing conditions.

Be aware of the risks

However, the weather office said it also poses risks such as flooding, water logging, increased crop pests, and livestock diseases.

However, in the northwestern regions of the country, farmers should prepare for the possibility of drought.

It outlined anticipated impacts, saying that widespread and localised flooding is expected in low-lying areas, river basins and urban centres with inadequate drainage systems.

Potential areas that could be affected are the Zambezi, Kavango East and Kavango West, Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto regions.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-07

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Premier League: Fulham 2 vs 1 Brentford Katima Mulilo: 22° | 36° Rundu: 20° | 31° Eenhana: 21° | 31° Oshakati: 21° | 31° Ruacana: 20° | 31° Tsumeb: 19° | 26° Otjiwarongo: 18° | 23° Omaruru: 20° | 32° Windhoek: 17° | 29° Gobabis: 19° | 28° Henties Bay: 16° | 22° Wind speed: 19km/h, Wind direction: SW, Low tide: 12:28, High tide: 06:39, Low Tide: 00:56, High tide: 18:52 Swakopmund: 15° | 18° Wind speed: 19km/h, Wind direction: W, Low tide: 12:26, High tide: 06:37, Low Tide: 00:54, High tide: 18:50 Walvis Bay: 15° | 24° Wind speed: 23km/h, Wind direction: W, Low tide: 12:26, High tide: 06:36, Low Tide: 00:54, High tide: 18:49 Rehoboth: 20° | 30° Mariental: 22° | 35° Keetmanshoop: 24° | 36° Aranos: 20° | 34° Lüderitz: 14° | 24° Ariamsvlei: 22° | 36° Oranjemund: 15° | 24° Luanda: 25° | 27° Gaborone: 19° | 27° Lubumbashi: 17° | 33° Mbabane: 13° | 24° Maseru: 12° | 25° Antananarivo: 14° | 30° Lilongwe: 22° | 29° Maputo: 19° | 26° Windhoek: 17° | 29° Cape Town: 17° | 22° Durban: 16° | 23° Johannesburg: 15° | 26° Dar es Salaam: 26° | 31° Lusaka: 20° | 31° Harare: 17° | 30° Currency: GBP to NAD 22.5 | EUR to NAD 18.76 | CNY to NAD 2.44 | USD to NAD 17.46 | DZD to NAD 0.13 | AOA to NAD 0.02 | BWP to NAD 1.26 | EGP to NAD 0.35 | KES to NAD 0.13 | NGN to NAD 0.01 | ZMW to NAD 0.64 | ZWL to NAD 0.04 | BRL to NAD 3.07 | RUB to NAD 0.18 | INR to NAD 0.21 | USD to DZD 133.26 | USD to AOA 909.05 | USD to BWP 13.4 | USD to EGP 49.21 | USD to KES 129.2 | USD to NGN 1668.91 | USD to ZAR 17.47 | USD to ZMW 26.9 | USD to ZWL 321 | Stock Exchange: JSE All Share Index Same 0 | Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) Overall Index 1858.03 Down -1.09% | Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) MASI 14296.93 Down -0.02% | Egyptian Exchange (EGX) 30 Index 31045.26 Up +0.82% | Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) DCI 9878.53 Same 0 | NSX: MTC 7.75 SAME | Anirep 8.99 SAME | Capricorn Investment group 17.34 SAME | FirstRand Namibia Ltd 49 DOWN 0.50% | Letshego Holdings (Namibia) Ltd 4.1 UP 2.50% | Namibia Asset Management Ltd 0.7 SAME | Namibia Breweries Ltd 31.49 UP 0.03% | Nictus Holdings - Nam 2.22 SAME | Oryx Properties Ltd 12.1 UP 1.70% | Paratus Namibia Holdings 11.99 SAME | SBN Holdings 8.45 SAME | Trustco Group Holdings Ltd 0.48 SAME | B2Gold Corporation 47.34 DOWN 1.50% | Local Index closed 677.62 UP 0.12% | Overall Index closed 1534.6 DOWN 0.05% | Osino Resources Corp 19.47 DOWN 2.41% | Commodities: Gold US$ 2 662.63/OZ DOWN -0.0006 | Copper US$ 4.33/lb UP +2.57% | Zinc US$ 3 069.50/T UP 3.01% | Brent Crude Oil US$ 74.94/BBP DOWN -0.0074 | Platinum US$ 978.71/OZ DOWN -0.0056 Sport results: Premier League: Fulham 2 vs 1 Brentford Weather: Katima Mulilo: 22° | 36° Rundu: 20° | 31° Eenhana: 21° | 31° Oshakati: 21° | 31° Ruacana: 20° | 31° Tsumeb: 19° | 26° Otjiwarongo: 18° | 23° Omaruru: 20° | 32° Windhoek: 17° | 29° Gobabis: 19° | 28° Henties Bay: 16° | 22° Wind speed: 19km/h, Wind direction: SW, Low tide: 12:28, High tide: 06:39, Low Tide: 00:56, High tide: 18:52 Swakopmund: 15° | 18° Wind speed: 19km/h, Wind direction: W, Low tide: 12:26, High tide: 06:37, Low Tide: 00:54, High tide: 18:50 Walvis Bay: 15° | 24° Wind speed: 23km/h, Wind direction: W, Low tide: 12:26, High tide: 06:36, Low Tide: 00:54, High tide: 18:49 Rehoboth: 20° | 30° Mariental: 22° | 35° Keetmanshoop: 24° | 36° Aranos: 20° | 34° Lüderitz: 14° | 24° Ariamsvlei: 22° | 36° Oranjemund: 15° | 24° Luanda: 25° | 27° Gaborone: 19° | 27° Lubumbashi: 17° | 33° Mbabane: 13° | 24° Maseru: 12° | 25° Antananarivo: 14° | 30° Lilongwe: 22° | 29° Maputo: 19° | 26° Windhoek: 17° | 29° Cape Town: 17° | 22° Durban: 16° | 23° Johannesburg: 15° | 26° Dar es Salaam: 26° | 31° Lusaka: 20° | 31° Harare: 17° | 30° Economic Indicators: Currency: GBP to NAD 22.5 | EUR to NAD 18.76 | CNY to NAD 2.44 | USD to NAD 17.46 | DZD to NAD 0.13 | AOA to NAD 0.02 | BWP to NAD 1.26 | EGP to NAD 0.35 | KES to NAD 0.13 | NGN to NAD 0.01 | ZMW to NAD 0.64 | ZWL to NAD 0.04 | BRL to NAD 3.07 | RUB to NAD 0.18 | INR to NAD 0.21 | USD to DZD 133.26 | USD to AOA 909.05 | USD to BWP 13.4 | USD to EGP 49.21 | USD to KES 129.2 | USD to NGN 1668.91 | USD to ZAR 17.47 | USD to ZMW 26.9 | USD to ZWL 321 | Stock Exchange: JSE All Share Index Same 0 | Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) Overall Index 1858.03 Down -1.09% | Casablanca Stock Exchange (CSE) MASI 14296.93 Down -0.02% | Egyptian Exchange (EGX) 30 Index 31045.26 Up +0.82% | Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) DCI 9878.53 Same 0 | NSX: MTC 7.75 SAME | Anirep 8.99 SAME | Capricorn Investment group 17.34 SAME | FirstRand Namibia Ltd 49 DOWN 0.50% | Letshego Holdings (Namibia) Ltd 4.1 UP 2.50% | Namibia Asset Management Ltd 0.7 SAME | Namibia Breweries Ltd 31.49 UP 0.03% | Nictus Holdings - Nam 2.22 SAME | Oryx Properties Ltd 12.1 UP 1.70% | Paratus Namibia Holdings 11.99 SAME | SBN Holdings 8.45 SAME | Trustco Group Holdings Ltd 0.48 SAME | B2Gold Corporation 47.34 DOWN 1.50% | Local Index closed 677.62 UP 0.12% | Overall Index closed 1534.6 DOWN 0.05% | Osino Resources Corp 19.47 DOWN 2.41% | Commodities: Gold US$ 2 662.63/OZ DOWN -0.0006 | Copper US$ 4.33/lb UP +2.57% | Zinc US$ 3 069.50/T UP 3.01% | Brent Crude Oil US$ 74.94/BBP DOWN -0.0074 | Platinum US$ 978.71/OZ DOWN -0.0056