Uakutura Kambaekua
OPUWO – The Kamanjab constituency is seeking national assistance to address the effects of the persistent drought, which has ravaged the livelihoods of the locals and devastated livestock.
Similar to other regions and constituencies in Namibia, Kamanjab is suffering greatly from the consequences of the drought, Kamanjab constituency councillor Niko Somaeb said in an interview with Nampa while discussing the ongoing effects of the drought on farmers’ crops and livestock in the Kunene region.
With regards to the delivery of food aid for drought relief, he informed this agency on Sunday that although the government prioritises people, it ignores the fact that livestock is the foundation of farmers’ livelihoods.
“Drought relief food is available to help the impacted farmers in the Kamanjab constituency, but it doesn’t deal with the fact that farmers need to feed their remaining animals,” said Somaeb.
Over 2 080 households are presently receiving food parcels from the drought assistance programme.
“Compared to the initial total of 951 beneficiaries in 2017, that number has doubled,” he added.
Somaeb said, the constituency has experienced drought for the last 10 years, with the present drought being the worst recorded in the area.
As a result, over 80% of the livestock has been lost.
He reiterated that the drought poses a threat to the remaining livestock. Thus, immediate assistance is needed to alleviate it.
“Currently, the Kamanjab constituency has not received extra assistance and funding for drought relief, except from the drought relief programme of the Office of the Prime Minister. Therefore, we are calling on all Samaritans to help our farmers fight drought,” he stated.
Somaeb said the protracted drought has resulted in significant losses of livelihoods and population relocations, leaving the locals suffering extreme food insecurity and hopelessness.
In response to the ongoing drought, President Nangolo Mbumba declared a state of emergency last month, which enables the government to mobilise resources and guarantee that impacted communities receive the support they need.
-Nampa