NAU offers relief to farmers amid severe drought

Niël Terblanché

To mitigate the tangible possibility of the economic ruin of members amidst the ongoing drought affecting Namibia, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has announced measures aimed at alleviating the financial burden on the nation’s farmers.

During a meeting on 12 March 2024, the NAU Executive Council decided to offer a N$1,000 discount on the annual membership fee for its main members, recognizing the extreme hardships that the agricultural community is currently facing.

The drought in Namibia has reached critical levels, with recent reports indicating that many regions are experiencing their lowest rainfall levels in years, leading to substantial impacts on crop production and livestock survival.

The agricultural sector, which is one of the main cornerstones of the Namibian economy and crucial for the livelihoods of many communities, has been hit particularly hard.

Farmers across the country are struggling with the challenge of sustaining their livelihood amidst the scarcity of water and the deteriorating condition of available grazing.

The NAU’s decision to reduce the membership fee is aimed at providing some financial relief to fully paid-up members who are eligible to pay the full annual fee.

In a statement, the NAU said this discount is, however, not applicable to members who are already benefiting from other types of discounts.

For members who have already paid their membership fee in full to their farmers’ association, the NAU will process these payments and apply a N$1,000 credit for future use.

In a show of solidarity and support for the agricultural union’s efforts, the NAU has also appealed to those members who are in a stable financial position and who can afford to pay the full membership fee without requiring the discount.

According to the NAY farmers who do so will contribute to the union’s ability to offer more extensive support to those in need during these challenging times.

This initiative by the NAU stresses the broader need for support and assistance to the farming community in Namibia as they navigate the repercussions of the drought.

It also highlights the importance of collective action and the role of agricultural organizations in providing timely and meaningful assistance to their members during environmental crises.

The NAU stated that solidarity and resilience are needed within the country’s agricultural sector because these attributes will become crucial in overcoming the current challenges and also to pave the way for recovery and sustainability in the future.