Food insecurity on the rise

Food security in Namibia has significantly deteriorated as a result of highly unfavourable agricultural production conditions during the 2022/2023 cropping season.

The aggregate cereal analysis showed that the country recorded 153 000 tonnes, which is 9% lower than last season’s harvest of 168 200 tonnes but 23% above the 10 years’ average production of 124 200 tonnes.

This is according to the latest Crop Prospects, Food Security and Drought Situation Report issued by the agriculture ministry last week.

"It has been observed that the majority of crop farmers have experienced crop failure, which has consequently severely impeded their ability to replenish their food reserves."

Precarious situation

It said that a considerable number of households in key crop-producing regions have reported a depletion of their harvest from the previous season, and they are now relying mainly on the market and drought relief food for sustenance in some regions.

In addition, it is projected that the recent harvest will be exhausted between August and December, leaving these households in a precarious state of food insecurity.

"It is anticipated that the situation will further deteriorate throughout the remainder of the year, necessitating an expanded provision of food assistance to accommodate a larger population that will be in need," the report warns.

According to the Namibia 2022/2023 Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis report of January, it was estimated that 234 000 people, representing 9% of the population, were expected to face high food insecurity between April and August.

"These are, however, projections, pending the 2023/2024 Namibia Annual Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis, which is currently underway, which will then present the actual number of food insecure population in the country."

Opposite results

According to the report, all the crop-producing regions in the communal areas have recorded a significant decline in the crop harvest, contributing only about 20% to the national cereal production.

"This is attributed to the poor crop growing conditions that were seen in the form of delayed onset of the rainfall season, erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells."

On the other hand, the commercial area alone witnessed an improvement in the harvest, contributing about 80% to the national cereal production.

The report said that this improvement was primarily attributed to a notable increase in the planted area by numerous commercial producers.

Provide help

Among the report's recommendations was that the Office of the Prime Minister should continue with the provision of drought relief measures to households that are faced with food insecurity in Kunene, parts of Omusati and Erongo regions, Omaheke, ||Karas and Hardap regions, until the situation normalises.

Government should also consider the roll-out of drought relief interventions across the remaining eight regions, including the entire Omusati and Erongo regions.

Furthermore, the agriculture ministry should continue with the construction, rehabilitation and excavation of earth dams and boreholes in areas where communities are faced with water shortages.

Meanwhile, Cabinet has directed the Office of the Prime Minister to provide food assistance to drought-affected households in Omaheke, Hardap and ||Karas regions from 1 July to 31 March 2024, in addition to Kunene, parts of Erongo and Omusati regions that have been receiving food assistance for the past few years.

Cabinet further directed the agriculture ministry to provide the aforementioned regions with assistance through the Livestock Support Programme (LSP) from 1 July until the end of December and also to consider the extension of the LSP in Kunene, parts of Erongo and parts of Omusati regions.