A devastating drought has plunged Namibia into a food security crisis, leaving over 1.26 million people, more than 40% of the population, teetering on the brink of hunger, according to the nation’s agriculture ministry. The prolonged dry spell has decimated harvests and left livestock weak and dying, painting a grim picture of hardship across the semi-arid landscape.
The delayed onset of the rainy season, coupled with below-average rainfall in crucial planting months, has dealt a severe blow to the country’s agricultural sector. Farmers, already struggling with depleted reserves, report that meagre harvests lasted only a few months, forcing them to rely on costly food purchases or state aid.
“Most households reported that their harvest from the last season lasted only from July to August, while some households could not harvest anything at all due to the severity of the drought,” the ministry’s report revealed, highlighting the stark reality faced by many Namibians.
The situation is expected to worsen during the dry season, with food prices projected to continue their upward trajectory. The nation’s strategic food reserves, a crucial buffer against such crises, are alarmingly low, holding a mere fraction of their capacity. As of November, storage facilities were only 11% full, with dwindling supplies of essential grains.
The impact extends beyond crop failures. Livestock, a vital part of Namibia’s rural economy, are suffering from a lack of grazing and water. Reports of weakened animals, unable to stand unaided, paint a heart-wrenching picture of the drought’s toll.
“Some farmers have reported assisting some of their livestock in standing up in the mornings, as their bodies are weak due to lack of pasture,” the report noted.
To avert a catastrophic food shortage, Namibia will require substantial cereal imports. The government has been working to secure these supplies, but the scale of the crisis necessitates a swift and comprehensive response. The drought has not only exposed the vulnerability of Namibia’s agricultural sector but also underscored the urgent need for long-term strategies to build resilience against climate change.
