Severe drought in Omusati

The Omusati Region experienced a severe drought this year, leading to an extremely poor crop harvest, scarce pasture conditions and significant water shortages for livestock.

According to the ‘Crop Prospects, Food Security and Drought Situation’ report issued by the agriculture ministry, the occurrence of sporadic and erratic rainfall - coupled with prolonged dry spells - was particularly intense during December and February to the end of the rainfall season.

At the time of this assessment, a total of 115 814 people from 16 779 households were registered for food assistance, in addition to the already existing beneficiaries.

“A significant portion of crops experienced wilting and complete failure, leading some farmers to abandon their fields without any harvest this year.”

The report said the aggregated cereal production indicated that the harvest for the region was 1 980 tonnes, which is 76% lower than last season’s 8 1 81 tonnes and 79% lower than the 10-year average production of 9 531 tonnes.

The specific crop harvest indicated a negative harvest for both pearl millet and sorghum, with pearl millet declining by 74% of the harvest of 6 845 tonnes, which is 87% below the average production of 13 529 tonnes.

Similarly, the sorghum harvest has decreased by 84% from the average production of 1 226 tonnes - 85% lower than the previous season’s 1 336 tonnes.

The average planted area is estimated at 84% of the total cropped area, reflecting a 5% decrease from last season’s planted area.



Very poor harvest

According to the report, non-cereal production was also affected by the erratic rainfall, and the harvest is very poor.

However, “the melons performed better compared to last year and most farmers got a good harvest this season”, it said.

There were isolated cases of false army worms in the Ogongo constituency as well as armoured bush crickets throughout the constituency, with minimal crop damage.

It added that livestock conditions are generally fair, but are expected to deteriorate before the next rainfall season.

“This is due to poor grazing in the region apart from the cattle post areas where grazing is slightly better.”



Overgrazing

Moreover, many livestock have been moved to the cattle post areas and such areas will be overgrazed in a few months, the report read.

“The pasture and livestock body condition are currently in a state of deterioration, with the available grazing being limited and mostly observed in certain enclosed areas, characterised by extreme dryness.”

As a result, many farmers are approaching the veterinary office on a daily basis, seeking permits to transport their livestock to regions and/or areas with better grazing opportunities, the report found.

Additionally, the cattle post areas are experiencing overgrazing as a consequence of the significant influx of animals into these specific zones.



Water for livestock

Meanwhile, water for livestock is scarce - with only a few catchment areas providing access, and these sources are rapidly drying up. While the water canal in the region offers significant relief for some farmers as it ensures a constant water supply, certain areas within the region continue to suffer from low water pressure, leading to households enduring days without tap water.

In terms of household food security, the situation was anticipated to improve following the recent harvest.

But due to the poor harvest, it has deteriorated and was expected to further weaken starting in August.

According to the report, a number of households have experienced complete crop failure, leaving them reliant on the market to meet their food needs.

The five constituencies in the region - Okahao, Onesi, Tsandi, Ruacana and part of Outapi - continue to receive food assistance through the Office of the Prime Minister under the drought relief programme.