23 Feb 2016

The on-going drought and heat wave has affected farmers in Ngamiland, Maun Administration Authority chairperson, Mr Gaokgakala Letswee has said.

Addressing the Sub council, Mr Letswee observed that his area had experienced a huge decline in rainfall amount and the worst heat wave with scotching temperatures of about 43 degree Celsius in Maun.

The bad weather conditions, he said, had drastically affected crop production therefore lowered domestic food production since farmers were likely to harvest nothing.

Mr Letswee said although a total of 310.7 hectors of crops were planted from November 2015 to January 2016, it was disheartening that most crops were burnt at emerging stage and most farmers had to re-plant.

He pointed out that horticultural crops were also affected by high temperatures as the environment was not conducive.

Mr Letswee said only a total of 1333.84 tons of horticultural production was cumulatively attained therefore food security problems were foreseen.

Furthermore, Mr Letswee said a lot of cattle has succumbed to drought, with about 14 000 beasts having fallen victims.

He said the range remained poor which depicted that the wildlife and domestic animals would not have enough forage.

Mr Letswee therefore said farmers should be encouraged to reduce the number of livestock kept and remain with a manageable number for affordable feeds.

He said the Metrological Services early signs predicted another drought year, since the Maun jurisdiction had received rainfall below normal amounts from October to December 2015.

Mr Letswee therefore said the Maun Administration Authority should be prepared for intensified efforts in destitution programmes, poverty eradication, LIMID and other programmes. Ends