In pictures: Farmers in dire need as Namibia faces severe drought

By Annelie Coleman |25 June 2024 | 9:38 am

Namibia has been battling severe drought conditions since 2012, with the past few years proving especially dire. Although there have been occasional years of good rainfall, most have seen extreme dryness and minimal precipitation.

These harsh conditions have been compounded by severe locust infestations and devastating veld fires, which have destroyed thousands of hectares of grazing land.

In recent years, rainfall has continued to decline, with many areas receiving less than 50% of their average annual precipitation. This has left vast expanses of land barren and without vegetation, creating a bleak landscape for the country’s farmers.

The Namibian government recently declared a state of national disaster in an effort to support the agriculture sector, from small communal farmers to large commercial operations. This declaration aims to provide much-needed relief and assistance until the next rainy season, which is not expected to start until late February or March next year.

Hannes and Rita Rossouw, Damara sheep breeders.

Bennie Buys Farm Galloway Mariental with the animal feed supplied by Namibia Drought Relief fund.

Hannes Rossouw, who has been farming in the Mariental district since 1968, shared his experience of the prolonged drought: “Do you really want to know? All I can tell you is that it was hell and it is still hell. The hell will continue until we get rain.”

His wife, Rita, recounted one of the most difficult moments they faced. “The most difficult day of my life was when I saw the truckloads of sheep that we had to sell out of necessity leaving our farm. It was extremely traumatising, and I will relive that day for a long time to come.”

Despite these challenges, the Namibian Drought Relief Fund has been working tirelessly to support farmers. The fund relies heavily on volunteers, who have been crucial in keeping farmers afloat during these trying times. However, the fund’s efforts are also dependent on continued support from the public and international community.