Grazing improves across most of Namibia

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Grazing and water supply have improved significantly in most parts of the country after good rainfall in the 2019/2020 season.

In most regions, grazing ranges between fair and very good, with plenty of rainwater available in the catchment areas.

In the //Karas, Hardap and Erongo regions, grazing remains poor due to late and poor rainfall.

This is according to the Crop Prospects and Food Security Situation Report for July, released by the agriculture ministry last week.



Abundant water

It said in the north-eastern Zambezi, Kavango East and Kavango West regions, grazing ranges between good and very good in the floodplains, along rivers and in the inland areas.

“Water for livestock and human use is abundantly available with rivers, streams, boreholes, pipelines and ponds being the main sources.”

Good grazing conditions were also reported in the north-central regions of Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena and Omusati, as well as in the central and eastern Otjozondjupa, Omaheke and Khomas regions.

Grazing is still poor in the Erongo Region, specifically in areas such as Uis, Omatjete, Tsubusis, Spitzkoppe and Okombahe.



Critical situation

In the southern and western part of the Kunene Region the grazing situation is critical, while the eastern part of the region has plenty of grazing.

“The current state of grazing conditions in the Hardap Region is very worrisome apart from Gibeon, Gochas and Hoachanas, where there is a little bit of grazing, though not sufficient to last until the next rainy season. Elsewhere in the region the situation is extremely critical.” This is similar to //Karas where grazing is poor to critical in most areas.



Fat cattle

Livestock body conditions range between good and very good in most parts of the country where good rainfall was received.

This is mainly in the northeast (Zambezi, Kavango East, Kavango West), central north (Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati) and central parts of the country (Khomas, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke).

But livestock body conditions in southern Khomas is poor to fair. In Otjozondjupa and most parts of Omaheke, livestock are in a very good condition. In the //Karas and Hardap regions, livestock body condition ranges between poor and fair.