Agri union urges farmers to maintain positive outlook
Focus on solutions, NAU says
Although farmers are used to dry conditions, the severity of the current drought is more daunting than in previous years.
Namibian commercial farmers, long accustomed to battling frequent and severe drought, are actively involved in efforts to mitigate its effects.
According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), several successes have already been achieved.
The union noted that Namibia has been caught in a cycle of drought for the past eleven years, with four of these (2013, 2016, 2019 and 2024) declared national emergencies.
Although Namibia’s farmers are accustomed to dry conditions, the current drought poses challenges that are even more severe than those faced in previous years.
“Over the past decade, persistent droughts have placed considerable strain on the agricultural sector. Producers are struggling with stagnant prices while production costs continue to rise due to international conflicts," the union said.
Intensifying pressures
Currently, weaner prices remain at the same level as in 2017, it added.
Economic pressures, combined with ongoing droughts, leave no time for the veld to recover, leading to insufficient fodder for livestock.
“Despite various strategies to endure these harsh conditions, it seems the challenges are intensifying," the statement cautioned.
Solution-orientated actions
Nonetheless, the union said it is essential for the agricultural sector to not be overwhelmed by the situation but instead maintain their focus on finding solutions.
The NAU has been working in conjunction with three other farmers’ unions since January to address the drought crisis in partnership with the government.
The NAU said government aims to support the agricultural sector, which may significantly impact the rural economy, job creation, food production and self-sufficiency.
The focus is on implementing a targeted plan to effectively deliver aid to those in need.
Moreover, since January, four farmers’ unions have engaged in awareness campaigns alongside the government. Marketing incentives were subsequently introduced, valid from January until March 2025, a first for Namibia.
Furthermore, the NAU has produced social media videos aimed at providing practical solutions as well as emotional support to help producers and their families cope with challenging conditions.
Positive support
Emphasis is also placed on supporting women on farms, who play a crucial role in maintaining family stability.
“We are grateful for private initiatives that provide direct assistance to individual farmers," the union said.
These include private fundraising efforts to provide financial assistance, life insurers offering direct assistance to policyholders, and the first medical aid fund, which recently approved option changes to take effect mid-year rather than waiting until the end of the year.
“It is critical for local communities to stay engaged during these challenging times,” the NAU said.
It said that while finding solutions can be easier said than done, maintaining a positive outlook is essential.
“We must focus on solutions rather than getting caught in a negative spiral."
According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), several successes have already been achieved.
The union noted that Namibia has been caught in a cycle of drought for the past eleven years, with four of these (2013, 2016, 2019 and 2024) declared national emergencies.
Although Namibia’s farmers are accustomed to dry conditions, the current drought poses challenges that are even more severe than those faced in previous years.
“Over the past decade, persistent droughts have placed considerable strain on the agricultural sector. Producers are struggling with stagnant prices while production costs continue to rise due to international conflicts," the union said.
Intensifying pressures
Currently, weaner prices remain at the same level as in 2017, it added.
Economic pressures, combined with ongoing droughts, leave no time for the veld to recover, leading to insufficient fodder for livestock.
“Despite various strategies to endure these harsh conditions, it seems the challenges are intensifying," the statement cautioned.
Solution-orientated actions
Nonetheless, the union said it is essential for the agricultural sector to not be overwhelmed by the situation but instead maintain their focus on finding solutions.
The NAU has been working in conjunction with three other farmers’ unions since January to address the drought crisis in partnership with the government.
The NAU said government aims to support the agricultural sector, which may significantly impact the rural economy, job creation, food production and self-sufficiency.
The focus is on implementing a targeted plan to effectively deliver aid to those in need.
Moreover, since January, four farmers’ unions have engaged in awareness campaigns alongside the government. Marketing incentives were subsequently introduced, valid from January until March 2025, a first for Namibia.
Furthermore, the NAU has produced social media videos aimed at providing practical solutions as well as emotional support to help producers and their families cope with challenging conditions.
Positive support
Emphasis is also placed on supporting women on farms, who play a crucial role in maintaining family stability.
“We are grateful for private initiatives that provide direct assistance to individual farmers," the union said.
These include private fundraising efforts to provide financial assistance, life insurers offering direct assistance to policyholders, and the first medical aid fund, which recently approved option changes to take effect mid-year rather than waiting until the end of the year.
“It is critical for local communities to stay engaged during these challenging times,” the NAU said.
It said that while finding solutions can be easier said than done, maintaining a positive outlook is essential.
“We must focus on solutions rather than getting caught in a negative spiral."
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