Staff Reporter
THE first significant rainfall was recorded in all four northern regions of Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana, and Omusati on Thursday and Friday, signalling the onset of the 2024/2025 rainy season.
At Oshakati and surrounding villages, a fairly heavy downpour was preceded by a strong westerly wind on Friday evening. Similar downpours were reported in parts of Oshikoto, Ohangwena, and Omusati.
Traditional leaders, who have been urging subsistence farmers to prepare for the rainy season, are now encouraging them to start ploughing their fields without delay.
“Those who have received sufficient rainfall can start ploughing. In fact, some have already started,” said Senior Headman Ephraim Weyulu of the Eenhana district of Oukwanyama in the Ohangwena Region.
He said the rainy season has arrived at the right time — neither too early nor too late.
“Having observed the nature around us, we can predict that a fairly good rainy season lies ahead,” Weyulu said, referring to the traditional weather forecasting method of observing the blooming timing of certain local tree species. However, he added that this traditional method has been rendered partially unreliable due to climate change.
Weyulu is urging unemployed youth in towns and cities to return to their rural villages to help their parents with crop cultivation.
“If you are in town and do not yet have a job, go back home and help your parents cultivate the field. You can return to town to continue looking for a job later,” he said.
Senior Headman Angula Kanelombe, spokesperson for the Ombalantu Traditional Authority, expressed satisfaction with the rainfall so far, saying it gives subsistence farmers hope for a possible good harvest.
According to him, a rainy season starting in November used to be a sure sign of a good rainy season and, therefore, a good harvest. “But now, things have changed. The rain has become unpredictable,” he said.
