Maria David
TRADITIONAL leaders and the business community in the Oshikoto Region are urging subsistence farmers to start ploughing their fields following the good rainfall recently received in the area.
Food insecurity in the northern part of the country is often attributed to poor rainfall or farmers delaying field preparation.
However, Iikokola Village Headman, I-Ben Natangwe Nashandi, has encouraged all able-bodied Namibians to make concerted efforts to promote food security through early harvests and sustained hard work to produce food for their households.
According to Nashandi, this year began with above-average rainfall in most parts of the country.
“The rainfall provides relief to our people, who experienced a devastating drought in 2024,” he said.
He added that with better-than-usual rainfall, improved livelihoods, better grazing for livestock, and renewed water resources are anticipated.
Local businessman and farmer, Herman Nekomba, also called on farmers to seize the opportunity and prioritize food production.
Nekomba said that the country has experienced severe drought due to a lack of rainfall over the past few years, which led to the government declaring a state of emergency on drought.
“Food security and self-sufficiency are critical aspects of national economic growth and development. We can’t wait for another rainy season but must begin now to ensure food security and avoid reliance on the government’s drought relief program,” he said.
He emphasized that, with the country affected by climate change impacts, an increasing population, and global economic uncertainties, ensuring a consistent and reliable food supply has become paramount for national stability.
Nekomba stressed the importance of farmers promptly preparing their land, planting diverse crops, and adopting sustainable agricultural practices. These measures, he said, will boost domestic food production, reduce reliance on imports, and safeguard the nation’s food security for the future.
