By Sostenus Wilherm
Namibia’s agriculture sector is under mounting pressure after the country recorded its driest January since 1981. This raises fears of severe losses in livestock, crops and export earnings which requires urgent action to be taken.
The technical advisor for crops and poultry at Agribank Namibia, Hanks Saisai, warned that the combination of dry conditions and uneven rainfall is already tightening the grip on farmers across the country.
“This report can serve as an early warning indicator for farmers and policymakers responsible for national disaster risk response and should encourage a proactive approach towards mitigating a potential disaster,” Saisai said.
Grazing areas have been hit hard, with grasses failing to mature or produce seed and as a result, forage is limited as well as livestock farmers are facing shrinking feed supplies at a critical time.
“Limited forage availability on grazing areas poses a serious threat to livestock farmers.” Saisai urged farmers to consider selling older animals early to avoid deeper losses should conditions deteriorate.
“If a farmer delays selling and drought occurs, the last resort becomes panic sales due to limited forage across the farming landscape.”
He said this crisis is unfolding as Namibia continues to battle Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which threatens key livestock export markets and the combined impact of drought and disease could severely weaken the agricultural economy.
“A drought and FMD outbreak could potentially have devastating consequences, as Namibia could lose major export markets while local markets may struggle to absorb the available supply,”
According to Saisai, early planted maize and pearl millet face stress during crucial growth stages. “Dry conditions during flowering reduce pollination and grain formation, cutting yields before harvest. Dry spells during tasselling are critical events, often leading to severe yield reductions due to impaired pollination and grain setting.”
He added: “Water sources are also under strain. Rivers, aquifers and boreholes depend on seasonal rainfall for replenishment. Reduced inflows could intensify shortages for both farmers and rural communities.”
Saisai called for coordinated intervention involving government, financial institutions and industry stakeholders. He stressed the need to support export abattoirs, strengthen veterinary controls and expand irrigation to cushion the sector.
“It is essential for decision-makers to adopt proactive strategies to mitigate the potential devastating effects of drought and protect livelihoods.
“Collective consultation between all stakeholders can lead to the development of practical response plans that promote proactive actions towards national disasters.”
He is of the opinion that with rainfall patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, the driest January in decades has left little room for complacency. Saisai believes that for many farmers, the coming weeks may determine whether this season ends in survival or serious loss.
