By Charles Tjatindi
Windhoek
Farmers in the Aminuis Constituency of the Omaheke Region are facing severe drought, and some have already started moving their livestock to villages with more favourable conditions.
Following a poor rainy season this year, farmers have been literally feeding their livestock from hand to mouth in a bid to keep them alive. Others have had to rely on stockfeed to sustain their precious livestock. Those who cannot afford the feed have sadly to stand by and watch their animals die.
Aminuis Constituency Regional Councillor Erwin Uanguta in an interview with New Era revealed that the situation in Aminuis could get even worse if it does not rain soon enough.
“If the rains are delayed, we are in for a serious drought season. Farmers have tried everything possible to sustain their livestock. Their only hope now is that it rains early this time,” said Uanguta.
Uanguta noted that his office has been inundated with visits from desperate farmers hoping for a solution to the prevailing drought conditions. Earlier this year, the regional councillor called a series of meetings with traditional leaders and community elders to discuss the matter, culminating in a request for assistance to the Ministry of Lands, Resettlement and Rehabilitation, through the office of the regional governor. Currently, the ministry is reviewing the request to determine ways to assist the farmers.
The fields of Aminuis are arid and barren, as left-over grass from the last rainy season is either burnt by the scorching heat making it inedible for livestock, or have been trampled upon by the hungry livestock.
“There are a few villages that were better off, but since everyone fled the drought in their own villages and made up posts at these villages, they are now just like the rest,” noted Uanguta.
Uanguta urged farmers to be patient as his office, in consultation with that of the regional governor, is working on ways to address the problem.
Aminuis is home to about 13 000 people, most of whom rely on agriculture, in particular animal husbandry.