Namibia becoming drier - Shifeta

Observed changes in temperature extremes, the length of the dry season and rainfall intensity not only underscore that the climate in Namibia is tending to become drier, but also that climate variability remains a significant phenomenon of long-term climate trends.Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said this at a project handover entitled ‘Integrated Climate Change Adaptation Within the Agro-Ecological Landscape of the Sikanjabuka Community Forest’.It aimed to increase the adaptive capacity and improve livelihoods of the community distressed by the negative impacts of climate change.The project focused on enhancing crop production and productivity for food security and forest harvesting substitution through adoption of climate-resilient smart farming technologies to support local livelihoods.It recorded a good harvest early this year and generated an income of N$12 000, which was reinvested into the upkeep of the project.It was funded by the Environmental Investment Fund and implemented by the Sikanjabuka Community Forest.Special caseShifeta said the abundant rainfall and fertile land in the Zambezi Region, with its enormous agricultural potential, far surpass other regions in the country.“Moreover, its wildlife, rivers, floodplains and forests undoubtedly position the region to contribute significantly to the national economy.”Livelihoods entirely depend on forestry-related activities and the use of biodiversity products to support their daily subsistence, he said.“All these natural resource-based livelihoods are vulnerable to climate change to some extent.”According to the minister, smallholder farmers have already observed the ongoing natural variability and that there are changes in rainfall patterns, since the last few years have been marked by extreme weather conditions.“Apart from temperature changes, rainfall changes have been noticed in the Zambezi Region as well as an increased length of the dry season, a decrease in the number of consecutive wet days and flooding in one season, presenting a special case and phenomena of this region.”Addressing climate changeHe pointed out that nearly 70% of Namibia’s population is directly dependent on subsistence agriculture and livestock farming, adding that climate change presents a serious challenge to community livelihoods.Shifeta said the ministry - as the national designated authority to the Green Climate Fund and the focal point on climate change - is fully committed to addressing climate change; however, insufficient capacity of farmers to adopt and build resilience remains a key challenge.According to him, the project also encouraged and established enterprise development opportunities for communities, especially for the youth and vulnerable households, in organic agriculture to create meaningful job opportunities.To date, a functional greenhouse system has been successfully established with a 10 000-litre water tank installed on site.In addition, the project has procured one tractor and implemented it for sustainable rangeland management and procured bee hives for honey production.

Namibia becoming drier - Shifeta

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Namibia becoming drier - Shifeta

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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