Ndawanifa encourages farmers to take advantage of good rainfall
Ohangwena regional council chairperson Erickson Ndawanifa has urged subsistence farmers in northern Namibia to seize the opportunity presented by the promising rainfall this season. Speaking to Namibian Sun, Ndawanifa emphasised the importance of working the land now to secure food for families and reduce reliance on government aid.
“The rainfall this year is promising, as the showers indicate a potential for good harvests,” Ndawanifa said. “Farmers should plough their mahangu fields to the maximum and avoid delays that could result in little or no harvest.”
He cautioned against idleness and relying on past experiences of poor rainfall, urging farmers to act now to ensure food security and avoid depending on government support later.
Tractor Availability
Ndawanifa acknowledged challenges with government tractors, some of which are unavailable due to maintenance or repair needs. He encouraged farmers to consider alternatives like privately owned tractors or traditional methods using oxen.
“Government tractors are limited, and relying solely on them may lead to delays. Farmers should also look to private tractors or traditional means to ensure their fields are ploughed on time,” he advised.
Ndawanifa’s call comes months after President Nangolo Mbumba declared a state of emergency on drought in mid-2024. At the time, the cabinet approved an N$825 million drought relief programme for the 2024–2025 financial year, which included N$600 million for food aid, N$100 million each for livestock support and water supply and N$25 million for seeds and fertilisers.
“Farmers must not adopt a wait-and-see approach,” Ndawanifa said. “Let us work hard while the rainfall is good and ensure we make the most of this opportunity.”
“The rainfall this year is promising, as the showers indicate a potential for good harvests,” Ndawanifa said. “Farmers should plough their mahangu fields to the maximum and avoid delays that could result in little or no harvest.”
He cautioned against idleness and relying on past experiences of poor rainfall, urging farmers to act now to ensure food security and avoid depending on government support later.
Tractor Availability
Ndawanifa acknowledged challenges with government tractors, some of which are unavailable due to maintenance or repair needs. He encouraged farmers to consider alternatives like privately owned tractors or traditional methods using oxen.
“Government tractors are limited, and relying solely on them may lead to delays. Farmers should also look to private tractors or traditional means to ensure their fields are ploughed on time,” he advised.
Ndawanifa’s call comes months after President Nangolo Mbumba declared a state of emergency on drought in mid-2024. At the time, the cabinet approved an N$825 million drought relief programme for the 2024–2025 financial year, which included N$600 million for food aid, N$100 million each for livestock support and water supply and N$25 million for seeds and fertilisers.
“Farmers must not adopt a wait-and-see approach,” Ndawanifa said. “Let us work hard while the rainfall is good and ensure we make the most of this opportunity.”
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