14 Aug 2022

 President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi has declared 2021/22 a moderate drought year throughout the country.

A statement from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development says the declaration follows consideration of the Drought and Household Food Security Assessment and Analysis Report.

The statement says although the distribution of rainfall over the 2021/2022 season was good both in space and time over most areas, the dry spells that prevailed during the months of January and February 2022 resulted in lower hectares planted.  

“The January/February 2022 dry spells contributed significantly to the deterioration of pastures as most have shown signs of stress. Water for livestock is, however, adequate and will sustain livestock until the next rainy season,” reads the statement.

The statement says since the available forage will not sustain livestock until the next rainy season, moderate drought will be anticipated for livestock.

“Although the season is being classified a non-meteorological drought, the prevailing climatic conditions experienced affected production in the agricultural sector,” reads the statement.

Furthermore, the statement says indications are that the livelihoods of a significant number of rural households remain vulnerable hence the need for government intervention.

In view of these conditions, a number of relief measures, actions and assistance will be implemented with immediate effect until June 30, 2023, save for the feed subsidies which will end on January 31, 2023.

These include payment of 30 per cent of seasonal loans to farmers in all districts who obtained loans from the Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and National Development Bank (NDB) through the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS) to supplement crop failure as was determined at the time of the assessment.

In addition, government will provide a 15 per cent Livestock Feed Subsidy for roughage, mineral supplements and botulism vaccine to farmers in all districts effective August 1 until January 31, 2023. Government will also continue with a consistent supply of ready-to-use therapeutic foods for children with acute malnutrition.

“Supplementary Feeding Programme will be continued for implementation of provision of two meals at primary schools including breakfast and mid-day meal as well as continued provision of three meals for recognized settlements at Remote Area settlements,” it states.

The statement further reads that government will continue with blanket supplementary feeding for children aged 6 to 59 months, as well as a single ratio for normal growth and moderate underweight children and a double ratio for severely underweight children.

It says there will be a continued provision of a special food basket for underweight children of 6-59 months in hot spot districts and sub-districts areas of Mabutsane, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Kweneng East, Tonota and Boteti. ENDS