Staff Reporter
IN a joint action, representatives of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), Namibia Emerging Commercial Farmers’ Union (NECFU), and the Namibia National Farmers’ Union (NNFU) paid a visit to Minister Schlettwein on Thursday, 04 April, during which they requested that the drought this year be declared a national disaster alongside other suggestions to mitigate its impending effects.
“Although we are grateful for the rain received in parts of the country during the last two weeks, the impact of the drought conditions continues to intensify in certain areas. For this reason, all three unions teamed up to discuss proposals with our line Minister. It is imperative that His Excellency the President of Namibia is urged to declare the 2024 drought a national disaster,” NAU spokesperson Tanja Dahl said.
She added that the Hardap as well as the Etaka dam will cease irrigation support during April and August 2024 respectively, profoundly impacting socio-economic conditions in the Hardap and Oshana regions.
“Drought relief measures should commence as early as possible within a year of disaster and should include all regions and be available throughout the year. The livestock marketing incentive should be implemented and effective from 1 January 2024, and not only during the latter part of the year,” Dahl said.
The farmers further mentioned that it is important that core breeding herds are protected through the provision of fodder.
They also suggested requirements for a special program to ensure staple food security which should apply to all crop farmers affected by drought and a special food and cash assistance scheme for affected employees of the Hardap irrigation scheme in case no inflow is received during the current rainy season.
Further to this, the government was also advised to create a support scheme to enable crop producers to plant crops again in the 2024/25 season with subsidized seed, fertilizer, and fuel.
“The value of lean cattle and sheep needs to be improved to supply all export abattoirs with slaughter-ready animals for high-value markets. In addition to this, on-time payment of producers slaughtering at export abattoirs should be made,” Dahl said.
She added that additional funds from the Emergency Drought Fund are required for value-adding opportunities within the beef sector, as well as to additionally slaughter an expected 30,000-40,000 cattle.
In conclusion, the government was also urged to address cross-cutting pressing issues, adding that all livestock sectors including dairy, SWAKARA, and other livestock production sectors be included in the drought assistance scheme to help safeguard these industries.
The Minister welcomed the proposal made by the farmer unions and established a joint committee to finalize proposals for Cabinet’s consideration.
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