Drought relief: Nearly 5 000 claims by farmers

A total of 4 930 claims were processed between October 2023 and 15 March to support livestock farmers who have been affected by drought. This according to the crop prospects, food security and drought situation report issued by the agriculture ministry. The government introduced drought-relief measures through the livestock support programme to assist farmers in all 14 regions. It targeted both commercial and communal farmers. Farmers&#039; requests included 3 249 claims for livestock marketing incentives, 25 claims for lease of grazing, 16 claims for transport to and from better grazing areas and 1 640 claims for lick supplements and fodder subsidy, the report read. It noted that most parts of the country reported distressed grazing conditions, which is largely attributed to the poor rainfall conditions and dry spells that have dominated the second half of 2023/2024 rainfall season. Severely depletedVegetation is severely depleted in the majority of regions, with the exception of some parts in the northwest and far southwest. According to assessment findings, grazing in the north-eastern Zambezi, Kavango West and Kavango East ranges from poor to good. Meanwhile, grazing conditions vary the Khomas Region, the report found. The northern, central, northeast and northwest parts range from fair to good, with a few parts in good condition. Grazing conditions in the south, southwest and southeast of Khomas, however, range from poor with only very few parts in fair condition. The ministry has recommended that livestock support programme measures be extended to all affected livestock farmers. Spokesperson Jona Musheko noted that the Office of the Prime Minister will make the final decision on whether the programme will be extended. “Remember, these funds are mobilised by the Office of the Prime Minister. The [agriculture] ministry only collects applications for farmers, processes them and passes them on.”

Drought relief: Nearly 5 000 claims by farmers

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-19

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Drought relief: Nearly 5 000 claims by farmers

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-19

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