Maria David
THE GOVERNOR of Omusati Region Erginus Endjala, said the region has been affected by extreme drought and as a result crops, livestock and water supply are negatively affected.
Endjala was speaking during President Hage Geingob’s town hall meeting in Outapi on Tuesday.
According to Endjala crop production showed a massive reduction, while grazing was reported to range between poor to very poor with lack of water situations continuing to increase.
During an assessment report carried out for the region, it indicated that preliminary crop estimates showed a massive reduction in the harvest by 84 percent of the last year’s harvest of 78 percent below average production.
The production of pearl millet was estimated to decrease by 85 percent of last year 78 percent, while sorghum production was forecasted to decline by 75 percent of last year 92 percent below average production.
“Due to shortage of grazing in the region, some farmers opted to seek grazing space in Angola,” said Endjala, adding that the procedure of moving the animals across the border for grazing purpose are in place.
He noted that some of the farmers buy grass bales from Angolan who sells at the border as livestock fodder which poses a serious challenge to animal health authorities.
Meanwhile, a total of 2 898 households’ beneficiaries have benefited from the drought relief programme during June and July this year.
“Urgent consideration for the comprehensive relief food distribution is the way to go in order to mitigate the impact of the drought on community livelihoods,” said Endjala.
Endjala stated that although a lot of assistance has been offered so far, the demand for more is overwhelming.
Speaking at the same meeting, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, said that the country is facing budgetary constraints as a result of economic downturn.
This follow to drought affecting the country, as close to 70 percent of the people in the country depend on Agriculture.
