By Albertina Nakale
WINDHOEK – People in Kavango East and West have expressed concern over looming drought following a prolonged dry spell.
Although the Namibia Meteorological Services reported good showers in some parts of the country with Eros Airport recording 8.8 millimetres (mm), Windhoek (4.8mm), Keetmanshoop (2.4mm), Eenhana (1.6mm), Oshikango (1.4mm), and Rehoboth (1.2mm), unfortunately Ondangwa, Oshakati, Katima Mulilo, Otjiwarongo and Rundu, all recorded below 1mm.
Crop farmers are worried that there is drought looming, as there has been no rain for the past three weeks and crops planted during November and December will wither if rain does not come before end of January.
Ploughing activities have also reportedly come to a standstill due to lack of rainfall in both regions.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with New Era yesterday, Dr Samuel Mbambo, the Kavango East Regional Governor, confirmed the looming drought.
“The communal farmers are having a big problem because there is no rain. Those who planted already are facing a crisis. Last year by this time, we could see good crops but now crops are drying up and we are worried. Things are not looking good at all,” Mbambo expressed with concern.
He, however, said since the regions received some good showers during November and December, livestock is not affected as yet.
Mbambo also revealed that the government’s green scheme projects are ready to step in if drought does occur.
“The Minister of Agriculture, Water and Forestry, John Mutorwa, visited the green schemes in December and I accompanied him. We saw that the green schemes are trying their level best because crops are looking better since they don’t entirely depend on rainwater. They are ready for the situation if things get worse. Our green schemes will help us with food before we import,” he said.
The governor is, however, hopeful that the rains will come, as there are rain prospects.
“Let us not throw the towel [in] yet until we see we can’t anymore. My message for the crop farmers is that they should not cry for the rain but cry on how to prepare their crop fields. The one who gives rain will give rain. We should not give up,” he encouraged farmers.
Kavango West Regional Governor, Sirka Ausiku, was not available for comment, as she was locked up in meetings.
Since 2013, when Namibia faced what could be its most severe drought in 30 years, the situation is serious, and underlines the importance of Namibia’s efforts to become climate-resilient. The 2013 severe drought prompted President Hifikepunye Pohamba to declare a state of emergency in May the same year.
During that year, about 31 596 households in the two Kavango regions were registered food aid from the government due to drought.