Otamanzi cattle farmers face grazing crisis after wildfires

Widespread wildfires that recently ravaged grazing fields in the Otamanzi Constituency of the Omusati Region have been brought under control — but local cattle farmers now face a severe grazing crisis.

Omusati Regional Farmers Union chairperson, Elia Kapofi, confirmed to Namibian Sun yesterday that the fire, which spread from Etosha National Park into parts of the Omusati and Oshana regions, destroyed vast tracts of rangeland and damaged several fences.

“Now that the flames have been extinguished, farmers are struggling with the aftermath, as most of the grazing has been reduced to ashes,” Kapofi said. “Many have been forced to move their cattle back to densely populated villages where water is available but grazing is scarce.”

He said the hardest-hit areas include Uuthima, Omathagangawa, Uuku, Onambiga, Okalelemwa, Iinyayishe, Onampugulu, Okakewa, Onkaankaa, Amarika, Ombambi, and Nepanda.

Kapofi appealed to the government, through the ministry of agriculture, water and land reform, to assist affected farmers with animal feed and recovery measures.

“We are also pleading for help from commercial farmers, especially those who were not affected by the fire, to support us with whatever they can — particularly fodder for the animals,” he said.

Otamanzi Constituency councillor Johannes Iiyambo said it was through the selfless efforts of residents, farmers, and various stakeholders that the fire was finally contained.

“The devastating fire is over. No human lives were lost and no houses were destroyed, but many fences were damaged,” he said.

The firefighting operation involved the Namibian Defence Force, Namibian Police, forestry officials, local authorities, and members of the business community, alongside residents and farmers. The ministry of health also deployed a medical team to assist in case of emergencies.