Drought persists in Hardap, Kunene

Although grazing, water availability and livestock conditions have improved in most parts of the country, some regions are still in the grip of drought. According to the recently released Crop Prospects and Food Security Report, the Hardap and Kunene regions have reported poor grazing conditions that are attributed largely to poor rainfall received this year. Reports from the agricultural extension office in the Hardap Region indicate that there was no significant grass regrowth in the Maltahöhe, Hoachanas and Gochas areas. “Moreover, critical grazing conditions were reported at Aranos and the eastern part of Rehoboth,” the report says. The regional agricultural extension office is encouraging southern farmers to reduce their herds in order to avoid livestock losses.It further reports that some farmers in the region have requested government support to start planting lucerne for livestock feed.In the Kunene, Omaheke, //Karas and Erongo regions, grazing ranges from poor to fair following sporadic and insufficient rainfall. The Corridor 13 and Eiseb areas in the Omaheke Region are the hardest hit, while Otjimbingwe, Spitzkoppe, Okombahe, Tubusis, Omatjete and Uis are the most affected areas in the Erongo Region.It is further reported that some farmers have started moving their livestock in search of better grazing.Water shortages were reported in the Hardap Region, affecting the farms Kleinfontein, Binz, Halifax and Fleyveld. Water shortages were also reported in the //Karas Region, apparently caused by poor maintenance and slow repair of water infrastructure in communal areas. “As a matter of urgency, the situation (repair of water infrastructure) needs to be urgently addressed as it is increasing the strain on animals,” says the report. It says grazing conditions range between fair and good in most parts of the country following good rainfall in the last three months of the rainy season. “However, poor to very poor grazing conditions were also reported, mainly in the south and partly central to eastern part of the country owing to poor rainfall received in the just-ended rainfall season.”In the Omaheke, Hardap and Erongo regions, livestock body condition was reported to range between fair and poor.Cattle in the Corridor 13 area are said to be in exceptionally poor condition because of poor grazing conditions.The report urges farmers in areas with poor grazing conditions to de-stock before animals lose too much condition. It also advises the agriculture ministry to provide support in terms of livestock marketing incentives in drought-stricken areas.ELLANIE SMIT

Drought persists in Hardap, Kunene

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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Drought persists in Hardap, Kunene

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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