Erratic rainfall threatens agriculture - Kanyetu
Action Democratic Movement (ADM) interim president Vinsent Kanyetu says the erratic and limited rainfall distribution patterns experienced since the start of the agricultural season have resulted in abnormally dry conditions affecting most parts of the country.
Kanyetu made these remarks during a press conference on Monday in Rundu, where he said limited rainfall has resulted in poor crop performance and reduced rangeland conditions.
"Additionally, poor rainfall over the northwestern and southern parts of the country during the 2022–2023 agricultural season has negatively impacted pasture biomass conditions, particularly in the crop growing regions where crops failed to mature and rather withered before reaching maturity, resulting in lowered cereal production expectations," he said.
He added that some households in the Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati regions experienced flash floods during the ploughing season, which resulted in the affected households not being able to cultivate their crop fields.
The most affected regions are Kavango West, Kavango East, Omaheke, Ohangwena, //Karas, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, Khomas, Oshana, Omusati, Oshikoto and Kunene regions, he said.
Proactive measures
Kanyetu noted that, apart from accurate drought modelling and developing effective drought monitoring and early warning systems, mitigating the impact of drought requires a combination of proactive measures.
"These include water conservation, sustainable land management practices, drought-resistant crop varieties and improved water infrastructure. Raising awareness about drought preparedness and resilience-building efforts is essential to minimise the social, economic and environmental consequences of drought events," he said.
"Finally, government officials must be adequately informed and armed with accurate data to make informed decisions, while our communities must be educated and equipped with the tools and resources to mitigate the impact of drought on their livelihoods. It is imperative that we act now. Let us join hands in the fight against drought for the well-being of our nation and the generations to come," he added.
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Kanyetu made these remarks during a press conference on Monday in Rundu, where he said limited rainfall has resulted in poor crop performance and reduced rangeland conditions.
"Additionally, poor rainfall over the northwestern and southern parts of the country during the 2022–2023 agricultural season has negatively impacted pasture biomass conditions, particularly in the crop growing regions where crops failed to mature and rather withered before reaching maturity, resulting in lowered cereal production expectations," he said.
He added that some households in the Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati regions experienced flash floods during the ploughing season, which resulted in the affected households not being able to cultivate their crop fields.
The most affected regions are Kavango West, Kavango East, Omaheke, Ohangwena, //Karas, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, Khomas, Oshana, Omusati, Oshikoto and Kunene regions, he said.
Proactive measures
Kanyetu noted that, apart from accurate drought modelling and developing effective drought monitoring and early warning systems, mitigating the impact of drought requires a combination of proactive measures.
"These include water conservation, sustainable land management practices, drought-resistant crop varieties and improved water infrastructure. Raising awareness about drought preparedness and resilience-building efforts is essential to minimise the social, economic and environmental consequences of drought events," he said.
"Finally, government officials must be adequately informed and armed with accurate data to make informed decisions, while our communities must be educated and equipped with the tools and resources to mitigate the impact of drought on their livelihoods. It is imperative that we act now. Let us join hands in the fight against drought for the well-being of our nation and the generations to come," he added.
[email protected]
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