'Declare a drought emergency'
Harvest estimates much lower
The household food security situation in southern, eastern, western and central Namibia is also poor due to the prevailing drought conditions.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) recommends that the government declares a drought emergency at national level since the preliminary harvest estimates indicate a drastic shortage.Grain production is estimated at 72 150 metric tons, which is 53% lower than last season's crop of 153 012 metric tons.
This is according to the MAWLR's report on crop prospects, food security and the drought situation of March.
Preliminary harvest estimates indicate a drastic decline, with all crop-producing regions in the communal areas expecting a smaller harvest than the previous season.
In addition, the commercial areas are predicted to record a harvest of 35,200 metric tons, which is 68% less than the previous season's production of 111,000 metric tons - contributing only 49% to the national grain production.
According to the report, this decrease is mainly due to the devastating drought experienced in areas dependent on rain, as well as the significant reduction in the number of farmers who planted maize and wheat in the commercial area this season.
"On the contrary, the irrigated green schemes alone showed an improvement in the expected harvest for both maize and wheat by 24% and 63% respectively, compared to last season. This improvement has been attributed to a noticeable increase in the planted area through these green schemes," says the report.
In terms of crop pests, the Zambezi region is also struggling with the outbreak of the red migratory locust which is destroying maize crops, and the damage is severe.
Loss of food security
Household food security has generally weakened in many parts of the country, following reduced agricultural production recorded in the 2022-23 season.
"It is indicated that numerous households in the large communal crop-producing regions have exhausted their previous season's food supply and the majority are currently dependent on the market and drought relief food."
Furthermore, the household food security situation in southern, eastern, western and central Namibia is also poor due to the prevailing drought conditions.
"These areas consist mainly of farmers who rely on livestock farming for their livelihood, but the pasture in these regions is poor and insufficient to support livestock optimally," the report says.
"Many parts of the country are in emergency grazing, with fair to poor livestock condition, especially in the southern, western and eastern parts of the country. The situation is expected to worsen with the country's rainy season over."
According to the findings of the report, Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the executive director in the MAWLR, recommends, among other things, that an expansion of the livestock support programme be considered.
The government must also, through the office of the prime minister, extend drought relief measures to households facing food insecurity.
"In general, based on the findings, it is recommended that the government declare a drought emergency at the national level," she stressed.
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