Most communal farmers in the northern regions who ploughed during the first drops of rain have fears that their thriving crops might wither because of the absence of rain and the extreme heat being experienced lately.

“We have thriving crops, but there is no rain. Namibia does not get good rainfall,” said Maria Shikalepo from Ondobe village.

She said they have received no rain at all, and are starting to lose hope as days pass by.

“We have already reached the first days of January. By this time last year, we were already eating fresh green beans, and most mahangu crops had reached maturity then. I think people must pray for the rain,” she added.

In early December last year, the northern regions received some good rains. But this was followed by a dry spell, which led to many floodplains (oshanas), swamps and lakes drying up.

When New Era visited the Uukwangula Oniimwandi, Onashiku, Otuwala and Othingo villages, many people did not plough at all as it is too dry.
In an interview with New Era, Martin Simon from Othingo village said their cattle are also suffering due to a lack of pastures because of no rains.

“Oshanas have dried up, and some village headmen have sold land which used to be grazing areas, and now we do not have enough grazing areas,” he said angrily.
He added that in recent years, Namibia experienced severe droughts, and many communal farmers lost livestock as a result.
Shaanika Fillemon, a resident of Ompumbu village near Oshakati, said he is hopeful that the late rains are a pointer to a good harvest this year.

“The rain will come in February. This has happened in the past,” Leo Shapumba from Uukwangula said.

He thus advised fellow farmers not to lose hope as in the past, rain had come during mid-February.

The Namibia Meteorological Services said northern areas such as Omuthiya and Eenhana as well as the Kavango, Zambezi and Otjozondjupa regions can expect rain this week.

By Thursday, severe storms can be expected mainly in Otjozondjupa around Okamatapati. 

Caption: (farmers) Scorching… Northern communal farmers fear that their thriving crops might wither because of the absence of rain and high temperatures.

Photo: Contributed

vkaapanda@nepc.com.na