Agribank warns farmers to prepare for rainy season risks

Agribank has warned that climate change is making Namibia’s rainy seasons increasingly unpredictable, with major implications for livestock farmers across the country.The bank’s technical advisor for livestock and rangeland management, Erastus Ngaruka, said each year now differs in terms of when the rains begin, how much falls, and how evenly it is distributed—posing both opportunities and risks.Ngaruka noted that the previous rainy season provided much-needed relief after years of drought, improving grazing capacity in many areas. However, specialists caution that the grazing was far from optimal in quality.“Much of the forage yield was underutilized due to poor grazing value, while drought years had already reduced cattle numbers drastically,” explained a technical advisor on livestock and rangeland management. “This has left significant quantities of dry grass as fuel load, increasing the risk of veld fires.”Farmers are being urged to adopt sustainable rangeland management practices. According to Ngaruka, these include re-seeding with perennial grasses, thinning unwanted bush, stabilising soils to prevent erosion, and using controlled grazing systems that protect valuable forage. He said such practices not only improve grazing conditions but also help safeguard resources until the next season.Wet environmentsFlooding is another seasonal risk, particularly in northern Namibia. Ngaruka said farmers are encouraged to strengthen farm infrastructure, prepare shelters for livestock, and adopt rainwater harvesting methods for household and agricultural use.He added that moist conditions during the rainy season also favour pests and diseases. Ticks, flies, and mosquitoes spread illnesses such as lumpy skin disease and anaplasmosis, while parasites like liver fluke thrive in wet environments. Vaccination campaigns, especially against lumpy skin disease before November, are strongly recommended to avoid both production losses and disruptions to cattle marketing.Rainy conditions can also affect animal welfare by creating muddy kraals, cold and damp shelters, and exposure to lightning. Ngaruka said this stress increases the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia in goats and sheep. Farmers are therefore advised to maintain clean kraals, provide shelter, and offer supplementary feeding when grazing is disrupted by heavy rains.“Rainfall brings hope, but it also brings new challenges. Farmers must be proactive in preparing for every possible scenario to ensure their livestock remains healthy and productive,” the advisor stressed.With climate change driving unpredictable weather patterns, Ngaruka said resilience will depend on preparedness, sustainable land use, and timely veterinary care.

Agribank warns farmers to prepare for rainy season risks

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-01

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Agribank warns farmers to prepare for rainy season risks

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-01

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