Namibian livestock farmers urged to prepare for next drought
Preparation begins during good times
Despite recent good rains ending drought conditions, Namibian livestock farmers must prepare now for inevitable future droughts.
As Namibian livestock farmers celebrate the end of a severe drought thanks to good rains across nearly the entire country, agricultural expert Bertus Kruger is issuing a sobering reminder: preparation for the next drought must begin now.
Kruger, who has been closely monitoring drought conditions and livestock management practices across Namibia, emphasises that while farmers should be grateful for the recent relief, they must not become complacent. "I apologise if I sound pessimistic, but I am trying to be realistic," Kruger states in his latest advisory to farmers.
"We are extremely grateful for good rains over nearly the entire country, ending a serious drought for most livestock farmers in Namibia. But be aware, the next one is coming."
The message arrives at a crucial time, when many farmers may be tempted to increase their livestock numbers due to improved grazing conditions. However, Kruger warns that the best time to prepare for future droughts is during periods of good rainfall, not when crisis strikes.
Livestock management essential
Central to drought preparedness is the timely adjustment of livestock numbers to available forage resources. Kruger outlines three critical questions that every farmer should ask at the end of each growing season: How much forage is available on the farm? What is the current forage demand of the livestock? And crucially, how long will the available forage last?
Rangeland ecologist Dr. Cornelis van der Waal's research illustrates the stark reality facing farmers. Farms with 900 kilograms of grass available per hectare should have sufficient forage to sustain livestock herds until the next rains arrive. However, those with only 500 kilograms per hectare will face serious forage shortages from October onwards unless livestock numbers are reduced significantly.
This data underscores the importance of making difficult decisions about herd sizes before shortages become critical. Many farmers struggle with reducing livestock numbers during good years, but Kruger argues this forward-thinking approach is essential for long-term sustainability.
Planned grazing: A game-changer
Beyond livestock numbers, Kruger advocates for implementing planned grazing systems that provide extended resting periods for vegetation. The contrast between overgrazing and planned grazing practices reveals dramatic differences in land resilience.
Overgrazing, where livestock repeatedly graze the same areas without sufficient recovery time, leads to reduced root growth and declining plant health. This creates a vicious cycle where vegetation becomes increasingly vulnerable to drought stress and less capable of supporting livestock during dry periods.
In contrast, planned grazing systems allow vegetation adequate recovery time, resulting in stronger root systems and higher plant densities. This approach creates more resilient vegetation that can better withstand drought conditions and support livestock for longer periods during dry spells.
A proactive approach
The advisory represents a shift from reactive to proactive drought management. Historically, many farmers have waited until drought conditions become severe before making adjustments to their operations. This reactive approach often results in greater livestock losses, degraded rangeland, and more severe economic impacts.
Kruger's message emphasises that drought preparedness is not just about surviving the next dry period - it's about building resilient farming systems that can thrive despite Namibia's naturally variable climate. The country's semi-arid environment means that drought is not an exception but a regular feature of the climate cycle.
Support available
Recognising that implementing these strategies can be challenging, Kruger offers direct support to farmers seeking guidance on drought preparedness and sustainable livestock management. Farmers can contact him at 081 124 0124 or [email protected] for more information and assistance.
As Namibia's agricultural sector continues to adapt to climate variability, the message is clear: preparation during good times is crucial for survival during challenging periods. The next drought may be on the horizon, but farmers who act now can face it with confidence and resilience.
Kruger, who has been closely monitoring drought conditions and livestock management practices across Namibia, emphasises that while farmers should be grateful for the recent relief, they must not become complacent. "I apologise if I sound pessimistic, but I am trying to be realistic," Kruger states in his latest advisory to farmers.
"We are extremely grateful for good rains over nearly the entire country, ending a serious drought for most livestock farmers in Namibia. But be aware, the next one is coming."
The message arrives at a crucial time, when many farmers may be tempted to increase their livestock numbers due to improved grazing conditions. However, Kruger warns that the best time to prepare for future droughts is during periods of good rainfall, not when crisis strikes.
Livestock management essential
Central to drought preparedness is the timely adjustment of livestock numbers to available forage resources. Kruger outlines three critical questions that every farmer should ask at the end of each growing season: How much forage is available on the farm? What is the current forage demand of the livestock? And crucially, how long will the available forage last?
Rangeland ecologist Dr. Cornelis van der Waal's research illustrates the stark reality facing farmers. Farms with 900 kilograms of grass available per hectare should have sufficient forage to sustain livestock herds until the next rains arrive. However, those with only 500 kilograms per hectare will face serious forage shortages from October onwards unless livestock numbers are reduced significantly.
This data underscores the importance of making difficult decisions about herd sizes before shortages become critical. Many farmers struggle with reducing livestock numbers during good years, but Kruger argues this forward-thinking approach is essential for long-term sustainability.
Planned grazing: A game-changer
Beyond livestock numbers, Kruger advocates for implementing planned grazing systems that provide extended resting periods for vegetation. The contrast between overgrazing and planned grazing practices reveals dramatic differences in land resilience.
Overgrazing, where livestock repeatedly graze the same areas without sufficient recovery time, leads to reduced root growth and declining plant health. This creates a vicious cycle where vegetation becomes increasingly vulnerable to drought stress and less capable of supporting livestock during dry periods.
In contrast, planned grazing systems allow vegetation adequate recovery time, resulting in stronger root systems and higher plant densities. This approach creates more resilient vegetation that can better withstand drought conditions and support livestock for longer periods during dry spells.
A proactive approach
The advisory represents a shift from reactive to proactive drought management. Historically, many farmers have waited until drought conditions become severe before making adjustments to their operations. This reactive approach often results in greater livestock losses, degraded rangeland, and more severe economic impacts.
Kruger's message emphasises that drought preparedness is not just about surviving the next dry period - it's about building resilient farming systems that can thrive despite Namibia's naturally variable climate. The country's semi-arid environment means that drought is not an exception but a regular feature of the climate cycle.
Support available
Recognising that implementing these strategies can be challenging, Kruger offers direct support to farmers seeking guidance on drought preparedness and sustainable livestock management. Farmers can contact him at 081 124 0124 or [email protected] for more information and assistance.
As Namibia's agricultural sector continues to adapt to climate variability, the message is clear: preparation during good times is crucial for survival during challenging periods. The next drought may be on the horizon, but farmers who act now can face it with confidence and resilience.
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