2016-01-19Staff Report 2 Windhoek Government spent more than N$55 million on drought relief as a short-term solution for the 2015/2016 financial year which ends this March. The 2015/2016 financial year saw the Office of the Prime distribute free seeds to 30 000 communal farmers. According to the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management in the Office of the Prime Minister the government drilled 50 boreholes and equipped 80 boreholes, which benefitted 9 100 people and 22 500 animals. Furthermore, 37 000 tonnes of maize grain were acquired from outside the country and 8 000 tonnes from the domestic harvest. There was also a provision of 1 240 tonnes of fish to compensate for lack of beans as a source of protein. The medium term mitigations to contain hunger and fight drought in the country include the production and timely distribution of improved pearl millet seeds under irrigation by green schemes. Also carried out was the implementation of measures stipulated in their interim drought programme such as livestock incentives, transport to marketing facilities, lease of grazing and water provision. The long-term adaptation measures include the expansion of green schemes to ensure food security. The Ministry of Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare is tasked with identifying and implementing climate smart projects to address chronic vulnerability targeting the very poor people, according to the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management. 2016-01-19Staff Report 2
