Zebaldt Ngaruka 

EPUKIRO - While some farmers rely on government assistance to beat the current drought, others are helping themselves to save their livestock.  New Era visited some of the communal farmers who shared their experiences and mechanisms to help themselves rather than rely on government subsidies.

On his part, Otjijarua renowned farmer Lesley Tjikuzu said although the government subsidy is aimed at assisting farmers in drought, to him it is a waste of time.

“I solely depend on my own efforts to survive this difficult period. I cannot rely on a subsidy which is forcing farmers to sell in order to benefit,” said Tjikuzu.

He added that the government process to claim subsidies is very slow and comes too late to be of help to the farmers.

“It is unfair for one to wait three months for a claim. How is he going to save or buy fodder for the other remaining stock while waiting this long?” Tjikuzu asked.

Asked what he is doing to survive the calamity, Tjikuzu said he sells older cows, wean calves with seven months, provides fodder consistently, and injects his livestock to boost their immune system. 

“I also conduct supervision to my stock by checking which ones require help and so forth. Investing in your stock also will help you to survive all season without difficulties,” he alluded. 

Tjikuzu, however, commented on the government intervention in drilling boreholes for farmers in need in rural areas. 

“This is a very helpful exercise as water scarcity causes death to livestock,” noted Tjikuzu.

Another farmer from Okanguindi Bolle Hambira said he never lost cattle during the past and current drought period.

“I work hard and hardly depend on government subsidy. I sell at the right time when prices are good so that I can maintain my livestock with feed during the dry season,” said Hambira.

On de-stocking, Hambira said it’s good to reduce the number of livestock in rural areas to give time and space for grasses to grow.

“Overstocking puts pressure on the land and livestock suffer when there is not enough grazing. Farmers with many cattle must consider de-stocking to accommodate others as communal areas are now overcrowded,” explained Hambira. 

He also encouraged farmers to start making gardens and to produce crops to help sustain livestock during drought. 

Expressing the same sentiment was Eiseb farmer Ngurimuje Marenga, who said adding supplements to the livestock licks helps to keep livestock in good condition during drought.

“This is a difficult year; it requires someone to have strategies to survive this drought. Waiting for government subsidy will not help,” said Marenga.

He also encouraged farmers to reduce their cattle as the grazing land is too little.

Okozondje village farmer Ringo Siririka viewed the government subsidy as a last resort as he never benefitted from it.

“I have my own strategies when it comes to drought. I add supplements to my licks and separate cattle in different kraals when giving them licks,” he explained. 

As a part-time farmer, Siririka said frequent visits to his farming area are important.

“This gives me a good observation of what
my livestock needs, which one needs attention, either medical or feeding. I always go home and keep in touch with my worker every day,” emphasised Siririka. 

In some areas of Omaheke, livestock were stranded next to roads and at water points where water scarcity is a problem, a situation that will add injuries to the already drought-hit region.

-zngaruka@yahoo.com