NATIONAL EARLY WARNING AND FOOD INFORMATION SYSTEM

Republic of

AGRICULTURAL INPUTS AND HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY SITUATION REPORT DECEMBER 2009

HIGHLIGHTS

 Light rains received during October to November were not significant enough to trigger off ploughing activities....Despite the normal start of the 2009/2010 rain season; all regions visited have indicated that rainfall performance has been erratic, sporadic and insufficient enough to activate significant cultivations in the regions. At the time of this assessment, few farmers have started ploughing their crop fields, while the majority are still waiting for productive rains for them to get started.

 Delay on the delivery of essential inputs to various centres in the Kavango region may hamper production prospects. At the time of this assessment, delivery of improved seeds and fertilizer to various centres could not be carried out because prices for this season were not yet determined. The region have indicated that stocks for these inputs are available but could not deliver them to centres pending pricing information from the Ministry‟s headquarter  Cases of Africa Swine Flu are still reported in some parts of the regions with the latest reports from Ongenga and Endola constituencies in the . The majority of farmers are reported to have lost most of their pigs to this problem. Moreover, suspected case of Anthrax was reported in Onamagogani and Okapeleki village in Epembe constituency of the Ohangwena region where a certain person died after eating a meat from suspected to have died from Anthrax.  Household food security is tightening as most households are reported to have depleted their food stock last August. Transitory food insecurity was observed in most parts of the communal crop producing regions as the hunger season progresses. Most households interviewed indicated that they have depleted their harvest in last August and are currently dependent on the market and or government drought/flood relief food for food access.

Compiled By: Namibia Early Warning and Food Information Unit NEWFIU) Directorate of Planning Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry Private Bag 13184, Windhoek. Telephone 264-61-2087662. Fax 264-61-2087767. Email: [email protected]

OVERVIEW

The National Early Warning & Food Information Unit (NEWFIU) in collaboration with the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Meteorological Service of Namibia of the Ministry of Works and Transport carry out an assessment on Agricultural Inputs and Household Food Security in the six communal crop producing regions1 as from 30 November to 17 December 2009. The main purpose of this mission was to assess the overall agricultural inputs situation at household and regional levels and to find out as to what extend farmers are prepared for the just started 2009/2010 cropping season in terms of land preparation. Moreover the mission assessed changes in household food security, marketing of the 2009/2010 harvest, livestock and pasture conditions.

The assessment team was split into two groups of which one group visited the Regional Council and was briefed by the Regional Governor/ Councillors who provided information among other things, current household food security as well as progress on the agricultural season. The other group visited the Regional Agricultural Extension Office and were briefed by the Chief Agricultural Extension Officer and Chief Extension Technicians. The two teams covered all the constituencies of the six crop producing regions. Information of each constituency was obtained from both primary (field observation & farmers‟ interviews) and secondary sources (agricultural extensionists, Regional Councillors, NGOs, Farmer‟s Organizations, Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB), Directorate of Veterinary Services, Local Traders, Traditional Authorities, etc).

During the field visit in each constituency, the teams were brief by Agricultural Extension Technician who provided an overview of the agricultural situation in view of the upcoming crop season. The assessment team proceeded to the Office of the Councillor where they were briefed about the current household food security situation in light of the poor harvest received last season. These meetings were followed by field visits to three randomly selected households in each constituency for an interview. Interviews were also held with the formal and informal traders working in the area.

This report however, gives an overview of the agricultural inputs and land preparation during the current cropping season, whilst reviewing the marketing problems experienced during the previous harvest. The report is aimed at providing the latest information to the government of the Republic of Namibia, International Organizations and other Institutions involved in humanitarian operation. Since conditions may change rapidly, please contact the NEWFIU for further information if required.

1 Crop producing regions included Caprivi, Kavango, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and

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SADC REGION SEASONAL RAINFALL OUTLOOK (October 2009 – March 2010)

The Thirteenth Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-13) Meteorologists and partners met in Harare, as from the 26 to 27 August 2009 to formulate a consensus outlook for the 2009/2010 rainfall season over the SADC region. The rainfall prospects for the SADC region are presented below (Fig 1 & 2).

The forum has also reviewed current and projected state of the global climate system and its implications for the SADC region. Among the principal factors considered included the evolving sea surface temperatures (SSTs) observed over the tropical Atlantic and Indian Ocean, the emerging El Niño-like conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean and atmospheric circulation processes.

Figure 1: SADC October - December 2009 Rainfall Forecast

Zone I: (Southwestern Angola and extreme northwestern Namibia) Increased chances of above-normal to normal rainfall

Zone II: (Northern and western parts of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), most of Angola, bulk of Namibia, most of , most of , western Lesotho, western parts Swaziland and southwestern Zimbabwe) Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall

Zone III: South of Lake Victoria () Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall

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Zone IV: (Southeastern DRC, most of , most of Tanzania, most of Mozambique, extreme eastern Angola, extreme northeastern parts of Namibia, northern Botswana, north and southeastern parts of Zimbabwe, western tip of Zimbabwe, extreme eastern parts of South Africa, eastern Lesotho, extreme northern part of Malawi and eastern parts of Swaziland) Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall

Zone V: (Central and southern Malawi, eastern Zambia and northern Mozambique) Increased chances above-normal to normal rainfall

Zone VI: (Western parts of Madagascar) Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall

Zone VII: (Eastern and southern Madagascar) Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall

Zone VIII: (Mauritius) Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall

Figure 2: SADC January - March 2010 Rainfall Forecast

Zone I: (Extreme western parts of Angola) Increased chances of above-normal to normal rainfall

Zone II: (Most of Angola, most of central DRC, most of Tanzania, extreme southern Zambia, central and southern Malawi, extreme northern Botswana, northern half of Zimbabwe, central and northwestern parts of Mozambique) Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall

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Zone III: (Extreme northern DRC) Increased chances of above-normal to normal rainfall

Zone IV: (Extreme eastern Angola, southeastern DRC, the bulk of Zambia, northern Malawi, southern Tanzania and northern Mozambique) Increased chances of above-normal to normal rainfall

Zone V: (Most of Madagascar) Increased chances of above-normal to normal rainfall

Zone VI: (Southern Madagascar) Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall

Zone VII: (Most of Namibia, extreme south Angola, most of Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, southern Mozambique, South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho) Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall

Zone VIII: (Mauritius) Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall

SEASONAL RAINFALL OUTLOOK FOR NAMIBIA (October 2008 – March 2009)

According to the Meteorological Services of Namibia the rainfall outlook for the period of October to December 2009 (fig 3) region 1 is expected to receive normal to below normal rainfall while region 2 is expected to receive below normal rainfall.

Figure 3: October to December 2009 Rainfall Forecast

Source: Meteorological Services of Namibia

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In the second part of the season January to March 2010 (Fig. 4 below) the forecast indicates below normal rainfall over Namibia.

Figure 4: January to March 2010 Rainfall Forecast

Source: Meteorological Services of Namibia

MARKETING INFORMATION

Consumer Price Index (CPI) The monthly percentage change for the Consumer Price Index for Namibia as from January to October 2009 is presented below.

Figure 5: Namibia Consumer Price Index

Sources: National Planning Commission (NPC)

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Based on the graph above, there has been a sharp decrease in both All Items Inflation and Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverage from January to October 2009. This sharp decrease could be attributed to interest rate cut as well as reduction in International Oil prices which was the main drive force to rising inflation last year. Despite the impacts of world economic recession that were also felt in Namibia early this year, economic conditions has been favourable to consumers as the lending rate were cut repeatedly from the highest record of 12% in October 2008 to 7.1% in October 2009.

Producer Price Index

The white maize and pearl millet (mahangu) producer price (a floor price which is also a mill- door price) negotiations is annually facilitated by the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) and are directly linked to South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX) prices. The NAB monitors the daily SAFEX prices and then derives a weekly producer price to the Namibian farmers. According to NAB, prices for maize grain have been almost stable for the past 6 months that saw the price hovering at about N$ 2,704.61 during May to about N$ 2,964.77 per ton in October. The trend is almost similar to last year were prices have been reported stable, perching between N$ 1,772.23 and N$ 1,842.47 per ton. Nonetheless, the NAB cautioned that due to vibrant competition between retailers there might be instances where retailers have pushed up their mark of which they do not have control over them.

In the communal crop producing regions, the past three successive cropping seasons, namely 2006/07 up to 2008/09 have not been good to most regions. The 2006/07 was characterised by sporadic rains and prolonged dry spells combined with the damage by quellea birds in the greenbelt areas. Whilst the 2007/08 on the other hand, harvests were reduced significantly as a result of the delay on the onset of the rainfall and prolonged dry spells during the first half of the season and unprecedented floods coupled with army worms and premature ending of the rainfall. Moreover 2008/09 were characterised by floods and heavy rains that have equally reduced the harvest significantly.

All the abovementioned factors impacted negatively on the harvests, thus a tighter supply and strong demand of cereal grains (being the staple food for Namibia) has been an order of the day. Consequently, a steeper increase in prices of pearl millet from about N$3.50 last year to about N$4.70 per kilogram (Or N$60-N$80/ latta2) has been felt on the informal market for the current marketing season.

Namibia imports its cereals requirements mainly from South Africa to cover the domestic shortfalls. All the locally produced white maize and mahangu were sold since the beginning of the marketing season3 till mid October this year when the Namibian borders opened for grain imports. As usual commercial millers indicated that they do not foresee problems that may hinder the smooth import of cereals in the country, it is business as usual. However they have expressed their concern about the deteriorating public transport infrastructures in SADC region.

2 A latta is a container used to measure the quantity of pearl millet grains and is equivalent to about 17 kilograms 3 Marketing season for Namibia starts from 1 May in the current year till 31 April the following year

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FOOD SECURITY SITUATION

For the regional household food security, the situation is tightening following poor harvests for the past three successive seasons as most households are reported to have depleted their little harvest from the previous season. Transitory food insecurity was observed in most parts of the visited regions as the hunger season progresses, but its impact is reported to be less severe as compared to last season. This is because of the positive impacts of the government drought/flood relief food assistance taking place in the regions.

However, in an effort to circumvent food insecurity, government has decided to extend its “Comprehensive Emergency Food Aid Scheme” for the 2009/2010 consumption period to all thirteen regions pending the outcome of the current season‟s harvest. Last season, Cabinet has decided to undertake a "comprehensive emergency food aid scheme" for 523 633 vulnerable Namibians living in all 13 regions. The elderly, people living with disabilities, children, infants, women-headed households and pregnant and lactating mothers were targeted for this assistance. This decision was taken in a wake of the poor crop harvests for the 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 crop seasons. This intervention was an addition to N$30 millions that were set aside for immediate food items for Namibians displaced by flood living in Oshana, Oshikoto, Omusati and Ohangwena regions as well as the Zambezi flood plane in the Eastern Caprivi. Moreover, in the wake of rising international food prices earlier last year, government has scrapped 15 per cent VAT on selected basic food items such as fresh and dried beans, sunflower cooking oil, lard, bread and cake flour. Maize and pearl millet meals have already been zero-rated for some time.

In addition, the abovementioned interventions are just addition to social protection measures already in place by the government and this include;

 Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC) maintenance Grant: A monthly grant is given to OVC to improve their quality of life.

 Emergency food assistance to San communities: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister took an initiative to assist the vulnerable San communities with emergency food assistance and sustainable medium and longer-term activities aimed at enhancing their quality of life.

 School Feeding: The Ministry of Education‟s school feeding programme seeks to improve the dietary intake of children whose households have difficulties accessing food. The programme also contributes to national efforts to increase school enrolment, attendance and the ability to concentrate and learn.  Old Age Pension : This is the monthly grant given to senior citizen over the age of sixty to help them afford basic food and services, thus improve their living standard

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PASTURE AND LIVESTOCK CONDITIONS

Pasture Condition

Pasture conditions have not yet improved due to insufficient, sporadic and erratic rainfall received in the regions. In contrast with the corresponding period last season, pastures in most regions were green, while this season it‟s all dry with very little recovery observed.

In the Caprivi region, grazing are reported to be in good condition except in Kabbe and Katima Rural constituencies where pasture is reported to be in poor condition due to high concentration of livestock that were moved from the flood affected areas. Cases of veld fires were reported especially in the areas affected by floods during the rain season. The eastern part of Caprivi is one of the areas characterised by wild animals especially elephants that are causing damages to crops and properties. It is believed that farmers set veld fire to scare the elephants that are destroying their crops in the area or destroy old grass materials that might have lost their nutritional value and encourage the growth of new grass. Either way will end up destroying grass that is grazed by the animals.

In Kavango region, pasture conditions are generally good especially in the inland except areas along the river where high concentration of animals is reported.

For the north central regions (Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto), pasture conditions are much better (though poor) as compared to the corresponding period last season. Most parts of the regions are dry due to lack of rains and no significant pasture recoveries were observed.

Furthermore, enough waters from last season are available in the regions and according to some interviewed farmers availability of enough water keeps livestock in good body condition even if there are no enough grazing materials available. No water shortages for livestock were reported at the time of this assessment; all the constituencies have access to water for livestock which in most cases the natural water reservoirs (ponds, Oshanas, river, etc).

Livestock Condition

Livestock conditions in the north central regions range between fair in most areas to good in the eastern part of Oshikoto region (Guinas, Eenghodi, Okankolo, areas around Omuthiya constituency) and the southern parts of Oshana and Omusati regions due to better grazing conditions. No livestock deaths related to poor pasture conditions have been reported in these areas. However, cases of Africa Swine Flu is still reported in some parts of the regions with the latest reports from Ongenga and Endola constituencies in the Ohangwena regions and the majority of farmers are reported to have lost most of their pigs.

Moreover, suspected case of Anthrax was reported in Onamagogani and Okapeleki village in Epembe constituency of the Ohangwena region where a certain person died after eating meat from cattle suspected to have died from Anthrax. Moreover, certain birds were reported to be attacking donkeys, by cutting the donkey skin open with their beaks and feed on the donkey flesh while the animals still alive. The constituencies reported this case included Onesi of the and Epembe in Ohangwena region. Lumpy skin diseases were also reported in

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the eastern part of Omusati region and all the regions reported internal parasites in goats and donkeys.

In Kavango region, livestock body condition range between fair in the areas along the river and good for the rest of the region due prevailing good grazing conditions. no major disease outbreak were reported and both pasture and livestock were reported and observed to be in good condition, except areas along the river where livestock condition was reported to be fair due to high concentration of livestock in this area. Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) is also said to be under control in the region as no new cases reported for the past few months. However, cases of internal parasites in goats were reported in most parts of the region but farmers were advice by the Directorate of Veterinary Services to buy appropriate medicine from Agrivet or certain pharmacies in Rundu. Moreover, few cases of Black quarter were reported in Mpungu and Ndiyona constituencies.

In the Caprivi region, the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) have finally been brought under control as there were no new cases reported for the past months. In the meantime, the Meat-co abattoir has been reopened and farmers are now authorized to sell their cattle to the abattoirs or among themselves. However, Lumpy Skin disease and tick infestation especially in the flood plane areas are the main concern to most farmers. Ticks are believed to be vectors for Lumpy Skin disease and their prevalence rate is reported to have reached an alarming level. Other few cases of diseases reported include Black quarter and Heart water. Other than this, neither major disease, nor deaths thereof related to pasture have been reported during the time of this assessment and the livestock conditions are improving in response to improvements (though slowly due to insufficient rainfall) in grazing condition.

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CROP PRODUCTION OUTLOOK FOR 2009/2010 CROP SEASON

Progress on Land Preparation

Despite the normal start of the 2009/2010 rain season, it was noted that rainfall performance has been erratic, sporadic and insufficient enough to trigger off significant cultivation activities in the regions. At the time of this assessment, few farmers started ploughing and some dry planted their crop field and had their crops germinated successfully, while the majority are still waiting for productive rains to establish. The general land preparation is underway and most farmers are in full swing to repair their fences, spreading of livestock manure and removing old crop stalk from previous season.

In Namibia, agricultural practices in communal areas remained predominantly traditional. Land is generally cultivated using ox-drawn ploughs and to some extent hand hoes, while the use of tractors is very limited in some places. Farmers are requesting the government to extend the ploughing service subsidy to those that are using animal drawn ploughs. Traditionally, most farmers plant their crop fields using seeds from previous harvests, but this season the availability of such seeds were curtailed by poor harvest for the past two seasons.

In the Caprivi region, the western part of the riverside, in particular areas along the Lake Liambezi crop fields are still flooded as Linyanti and Kwando Rivers are overflowing. However, farmers previously occupied this areas are reported to have moved to upper land in order to open up new crop fields. Nonetheless many farmers are very skeptical about rainfall performance which they have described as erratic, insufficient and sporadic. Moreover, farmers are also worried about their crop production this season due to prevalence of wild animals, particularly elephants that from previous season destroyed their crops reducing chances of good harvest. Improved seeds are readily available from Likwama and Kafasepco cooperatives. The coops are reported to have reduced maize seed price this season from N$130 to N$100 per 10kg this season. Price reduction was apparently necessitated by completion the seeds are widely sold in the area by various institution and retailers. The coops indicated that there are enough seed supply in the region and seed distributions to various parts of the region has started. In addition Maize seeds are sold at Kamunu market and Namib mills. Maize, pearl millet, sorghum and dry bean seeds are sold at about N$10/kg. At the time of this assessment the price of fertilizers were still high at N$345 per 50kg bag for Mono Ammonium Sulphate. However, the assessment team believed that information about further subsidy to N$120 for the abovementioned fertilizers have been communicated to the region.

For the Kavango region, delivery of improved seeds and fertilizer to various centres could not be carried out because prices for this season were not yet determined. The region have indicated that stocks for these inputs are available but could not deliver them to centres pending pricing information from the Ministry‟s headquarter. Moreover the assessment team noted that, poor rainfalls were received since the beginning of the season and as a result, the majority of farmers have not yet started ploughing their crop fields. What is apparent is that, land clearance is in full swing in terms of removal of crop residue, de-bushing and spreading of livestock manures. The assessment team noted that the supply of improved seeds at Mahenene Seed Coop is limited raising fears of shortages for the improved seeds in the region. Moreover, the assessment team further noted that traditional seeds of different crops are available at the open market in Rundu, though might be expensive, but generally a price of N$10 per half a kilogram for the locally grown crops were observed. Contrary to this, farmers on several occasions argued that, transport cost to Rundu in most cases made it impossible to access those

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seeds and this by inference suggest an urgent market outreach to different parts of the region in order to fill the gaps caused by market failure.

In the north central regions (Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto) land preparation has started with few farmers began to plough their fields. However, the majority of farmers have not yet started ploughing their crop fields due to insufficient rainfall received. According to farmers, rainfall performance has been erratic, sporadic and insufficient. Some farmers who took advantage of early rains by dry planting had their crops germinated successfully, but now they are complaining that their crops are dying due to lack of rains.

With regards, to seed supply situation form Mahenene Seed Cooperative, the coop was only able to produce 30 tons of seeds as compared to 48 tons last season. In the normal circumstance, the coop keeps 100 tons as a government reserve and for the past two seasons the reserve could not materialized due to poor harvests. Meanwhile, government have instructed Manheim Research stations in Tsumeb to produce seeds for this season. Government has also requested Etunda Irrigation Project in the Omusati region to avail land and probably irrigation facilities for seed multiplications. All these efforts by the government were made well in advance and according to Mahenene Seed coop, more seeds (though no exact quantities given) are expected from these areas. The coop has further indicated that the two places where seeds are being produced are currently busy with harvesting and threshing and seeds will be sent to the cooperative for further processing, packaging and later on sent to the regions for distribution.

Availability and Access to Agricultural Inputs

One of the challenges facing the agricultural industry is the rising cost of production world wide due to high cost of agricultural inputs. Government recognised this challenge and introduce policies and programmes that are aimed at boosting food production, particularly in the communal areas of the country. In light of the above, government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry still has the following subsidy in place, aimed at enabling crop farmers in the communal areas to afford agricultural inputs thereby increasing food production. This includes the following:

Seed and Fertilizers subsidy

This is a subsidy that was introduced and piloted in the six communal crop producing regions last year. This program allows farmers to buy seeds and fertilizers (NPK) at 50% subsidy limited to 3 hectares per farmers. The aim of this program is to enable the farmers to afford these inputs (i.e. seeds and fertilizers), thus improve their crop productions.

Ploughing services subsidy

This program allows farmers to afford ploughing services from the private tractors by giving them a subsidy of N$200 per hectare ploughed, but limited to three hectares per farmer. The amount of this subsidy was increase this season from N$150 last season to N$200 this season.

Weeding services subsidy

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This is another subsidy given to farmers during the weeding activities. An amount of N$100 subsidy per hectare weeded is given to each farmer and also limited to three hectare like other subsidies mentioned earlier.

Due to limited fund available for the ploughing and weeding services, only few farmers that are going to benefit from these subsidies and the regions may reduce three hectares given to farmers based on the demand in that area.

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SITUATION BY REGION

Caprivi Region Rainfall received since the beginning of the season was not significant enough to activate ploughing activities, raising fears of possible drought among farmers. The majority of interviewed farmers indicated that rains started well at the beginning of the season, but the performance has been characterized by sporadic, erratic and insufficient rainfall. Nevertheless, at the time of this assessment, some good showers were received in various parts of the region and some farmers were already regaining hope for the best of the season. The supply of improved seeds and fertilizers is satisfactory in most parts of the region and most farmers have started preparing their crop fields for cultivation. Riverside crop fields in the western part of the region, especially in Kongola, Sangwali, Masokotwane, Chinchimani, Linyanti and the surrounding areas are still flooded as result of river overflowing. Under the circumstance, most flood affected farmers have moved to high ground to open up new crop fields, an exercise that would require both human and financial resources for it to succeed.

On the livestock health, the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) have finally been brought under control as there were no new cases reported for the past months. In the meantime, the Meat-co abattoir has been reopened and farmers are now authorized to sell their cattle to the abattoirs or among themselves. On the other hand, the demand to sell is reported to be higher since the Directorate of Veterinary Services has waived a ban on slaughtering of cattle mid this year. However, Lumpy Skin disease and tick infestation especially in the flood plane areas are the main concern to most farmers. Ticks are believed to be vectors for Lumpy Skin disease and their prevalence rate is reported to have reached an alarming level. Other few cases of diseases reported include Black quarter and Heart water.

The household food security situation is critical especially in the areas that were previously affected by floods for the past two seasons and or wild animals. Most households in these areas are reported to have depleted their food stock from the previous harvest and are now dependent on purchases from the market and or drought/flood relief foods.

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Kabbe Constituency: Most farmers in the eastern part (low land area) of the constituency With regards to the marketing of last season‟s have not yet started cultivating their crops fields harvest most farmers interviewed indicated that because of erratic and inadequate rainfall they could not sell because of poor harvest that received and the area is still dry. However, some was caused by flood last season. Moreover, farmers in the western part of the constituency farmers indicated that they are currently have started ploughing their crop fields depending on the market and drought relief foods following some good showers received at the for food access. beginning of the season. Very few tractors available in the area and interviewed farmers On the livestock health most farmers are indicated that, the tractors are taken to the lake complaining about ticks affecting both cattle and area where fields are reported to be relatively big goats. In addition, cases of the Lumpy skin in size and free form the stamps. disease are reported in this area and ticks are known to be vector for this disease. In an effort With regards to the availability of seeds most to normalize the situation, farmers went to buy interviewed farmers indicated that they were medication to treat their animals but no unable to reserve sufficient seeds from the significant improvements observed. previous season due to floods. However, improved seeds were made available in the area Kongola Constituency: The western part of this when traders brought seeds closer to the farmers. constituency is dominated by the san people who Farmers were also issued with vouches from the every season obtained free seeds through their local ADC to enable them to buy seeds at a special program in the Office of the Deputy subsidized price. Prime Minister. About 182 farmers have On the food security situation, most crop fields registered for seeds and 156 (mainly the san in this area were heavily affected by floods and people) farmers have received their free seeds. as a result, most farmers received poor harvest The average field sizes in this area are about one last season. Therefore according to the hector and the majority of farmers have started households interviewed, they are currently ploughing their crop fields. dependent on the market for food access. Farmers in this area are not yet provided with Katima Rural Constituency: Most farmers inorganic fertilizers; therefore some of them who interviewed indicated that there has been a delay own livestock make use of livestock manure to in the onset of the rain season and the most improve their soil fertility. Most farmers in this productive rains were received in the middle of area benefited from Draught Animal Power November. Nevertheless good showers received Acceleration Program (DAPAP) 3 by acquiring lately have improved the grazing and cultivation implements mainly cultivators, even subsequently livestock body condition. Maize though most farmers express little interest in seeds are available at the local ADC except for using cultivators willing to exchange them with the Pearl millet and Sorghum. Farmers were mould board plough. Moreover, farmers are given vouchers to buy maize seeds at the 50% given free tractor ploughing services by the subsidy at any retailer shop selling seeds in Directorate of Extension and Engineering Katima. Currently the maize seed price is selling Services in order to supplement their draught at N$14 per kilogram in which farmers only pay animal powers. half of the price under the subsidy scheme for up to 3 hectares. Linyanti Constituency: Improved seeds are currently available at the local ADCs and open Although no private tractor operating in this area market in Katima. However, the Agricultural due to the fact that most fields are full of stumps, Extension Technicians responsible for various the majority of farmers are using draft animals to areas in this constituency expressed concern cultivate their field. It is reported that most about lack of transport to ferry seed tractor owners takes their tractors to the lake consignments to various parts and this will cause Liambezi where fields are bigger and free from delay in the delivery of inputs. stumps as compared to those in the Ngoma area. Few tractors are operating in the constituency, Few farmers have started ploughing their fields, therefore majority of farmers use draught animal but are skeptical about the performance of the power to plough their crop fields and draft rain which is described as sporadic and irregular. animals were reported to be in good condition.

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With regards to the sale of the produce, most animal power and ploughing implements such as; farmers with surplus as from the time of harvest ploughs farmers have acknowledge that were able to sell their maize grains to cultivating implements are available and commercial millers in Katima. accessible within their area and most oxen are reported to be in fair condition, as they have Sibinda Constituency: Rainfall this season is been negatively affected by the poor pasture and said to have started late in November, in also the prevalence of black quarter. comparison to last season where it have started in September. As a result, few farmers have On the marketing of last seasons produce, few commenced with ploughing activities, while the farmers managed to sell their maize grains and majority is still cleaning their crop fields by they sold them at roughly N$2300 per ton. removing old stalks while waiting for the rains to At household level, many interviewed stated that sufficiently established. In addition, most crop they have depleted food from own reserves and fields along the riverside are still flooded and are currently dependent on drought food aid inaccessible. Under the circumstance, some relief and purchasing from markets. Additionally, farmers have resorted to open up new crop fields farmers are also complaining about the in the upper land. Most farmers interviewed in escalating prices of maize meal. Prices for a 50 this area have indicated that they were unable to kg bag has risen to N$200, compared to about retained sufficient good quality seeds from last N$170 lat year in the local retailers. season‟s harvest due to floods. Regarding draft

Kavango Region Despite the timely arrival of improved seeds and inorganic fertilizers, at the time of this assessment, the region was unable to dispatch consignments of these inputs to various constituencies pending the price setting from the Ministry’s headquarter. The majority of farmers interviewed expressed their dismay for the delay of the much needed seeds, and have indicated that they don‟t have enough seeds as they were unable to retain own local seeds from last season‟ poor harvest. The region receives 4 tonnes of pearl millet and 1.25 tonnes of sorghum from Mahenene Seed Cooperative. Moreover, local seed varieties for cereal crops are also available at the open market in Rundu costing about N$10 per kilogram for pearl millet, maize or sorghum. Traditional seed varieties for leguminous crops are also widely available and selling at about N$10 per half a kilogram.

On livestock health, no major disease outbreak were reported and both pasture and livestock were reported and observed to be in good condition, except areas along the river where livestock condition was reported to be fair due to high concentration of livestock. Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) is also said to be under control in the region as no new cases reported for the past few months. However, cases of internal parasites in goats were reported in most parts of the region but farmers were advice by the Directorate of Veterinary Services to buy appropriate medicine from Agrivet or certain pharmacies in Rundu. Moreover, few cases of Black quarter were reported in Mpungu and Ndiyona constituencies.

With regards to household food security, the situation is currently critical as most household (especially areas along the river) are reported to have depleted food stock from last season‟s harvest and are currently dependent on market and or government drought relief food for food access. However government drought/flood relief program is ongoing to ensure that, food needs for the vulnerable members of the society are taken care of until they are able to regain their normal livelihoods.

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Kahenge Constituency: Although the rainfall member to cultivate their fields especially during started on time toward the end of October this the weeding activities. Moreover, hired labor season, farmers indicated that the rains were through, organized groups to participate in the erratic, insufficient and there has been some dry government weeding subsidy scheme and spells in November which has caused a delay in individuals is also available, but some fields cultivations. Nevertheless, the majority of interviewed farmers complained that some of the farmers have started clearing and ploughing their hired groups or individuals demand to be paid in fields using oxen which according to them are fit cash than in kind. Due to poor harvest last season for use. Tractor services are very limited in this most farmers were unable to produce surplus for area and according to the farmers; there is only the market and therefore only few who manage one tractor available which is not reliable since it to produce surplus were able to sell their breaks down in most cases. Some of the maize/millet grains to the commercial millers. interviewed farmers are requesting the government to bring back the Drought Animal Power Acceleration Program which enabled Mpungu Constituency: Despite the delay in the them to acquire some of the ploughing delivery of improved seeds, most farmers in this equipments at a subsidized price. Most farmers constituency keep their own local seeds from the in this area make uses of improved seeds which previous harvests. This constituency was one of are still yet to arrive. Nevertheless, most the few in the region which received a interviewed farmers were able to procure seeds comparative better harvest last season. Farmers from the previous season although it might not with surplus were advised to sell their grains to be sufficient. Fertilizers are not yet made Namib Mills in Rundu but could not sell because available at the local ADC, but the pricing still the market price of about N$130/50kg set by the yet to be set before selling commenced. Namibian Agronomic Board according to them is too low and unacceptable. Nevertheless, The household food security is currently critical farmers trade grains locally among themselves as most household (especially areas along the and the selling price range between N$180-250 river) have depleted food stock from last per 50kg bag. season‟s harvest and are currently dependent on market and or government drought relief food for About three tractors are known to be operating in food access. On the livestock health, internal the area, but farmers are worried about the parasites in goats were reported and external tractor service price which according to them parasite (lice) in chicken, were widely reported was N$400 per hectare last season. Moreover, especially areas surrounding Rupara ADC. farmers are accusing tractor owners that they are not willing to participate in the government Kapako Constituency: Although traditionally, ploughing subsidy scheme and are allegedly most farmers keep own local seeds from the claiming that, government takes time to pay previous seasons, most interviewed farmers them for the service rendered. With regards to indicated that, last season‟s poor harvest could livestock health, cases of Black quarter in Dema not permit them to retain good quality and and Bere village during September, but the enough seeds. Therefore, since the beginning of situation have since been improved. Also during this season most farmers are visiting their local October, cases of internal parasites in Cattle ADC to inquire about improved seeds were reported in Burugo village, but the situation availability, but they are told to be patient until is reported to have been improved. seed pricing is completed. In addition, fertilizers are available at the ADC and many farmers Mukwe Constituency: Due to poor harvest registered to participate in both seeds and resulted from heavy rains last season most fertilizer‟s government subsidy scheme. farmers in areas along the river were unable to retain sufficient good quality seeds. However, Draft animals are reported to be in fair to good inland farmers were able to reserve sufficient condition as well as pasture condition is said to local seeds, since they were less affected by be improving with good rains received. On the heavy rains. availability of labor most farmers uses family

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About forty percent of the farmers use draught subsidy scheme which according to them takes a animal power to plough their crop fields, while long time to be paid. With regards to livestock the rest use mainly hand hoes and or tractors to health, cases of black quarter were reported in prepare their field for planting. Few farmers had the area and other than this, no major livestock begun ploughing their crop fields from mid diseases were reported at the time of this November while the rest are reported to be assessment. waiting for the rainfall to establish sufficiently. As a tradition with communal farmers, over 90% Rundu Rural East Constituency: Although the of the farmers use their family members to local ADC has not yet started selling improved cultivate their crop fields. Moreover hired labor seeds and fertilizers to the farmers, pending the according to most interviewed farmers is readily pricing information from the Ministry‟s available in the area. Some farmers especially headquarter, local seeds varieties are readily inland were able to produce surplus for the available at the open market in Rundu at N$10 market, and sell their pearl millet grains to the per one kilogram of pearl millet, sorghum or commercial millers in Rundu. Some of the small maize seeds. The majority of farmers use draft scale farmers who are engaging themselves in animals to plough their crop fields and according horticultural production are complaining about to most interviewed farmers, draft animals lack of market for their produce. Pasture and especially those in the inland are in good livestock were observed to be in good condition condition and fit to plough. In addition, private and no major livestock diseases reported in the tractors are operating in the area and only two area. tractor owners have registered their tractors to participate in the government ploughing subsidy scheme. Ndiyona Constituency: Despite the early start As regards to availability of labor especially of the rainfall in mid October, both improved during weeding activities, most interviewed seed varieties and fertilizers were not yet farmers indicated that migration of the youth to available at the local ADC at the time of this towns in search for work and better leaving assessment. It was reported that both improved conditions has created insufficient labor force, seeds and fertilizers are available at the regional obligating them to hire labor. agricultural office in Rundu, but distribution to Household food security is satisfactory and various ADCs could not be carried out due to according to most interviewed farmers indicated pending pricing information. that they are still dependent on last season Private tractors are reportedly operating in the harvests, supplemented by government area, but none of the tractor owners showed an drought/flood relief foods or purchases from the interest to participate in the government market. Grazing areas were reported to be in ploughing subsidy scheme. Tractor owners are good condition as compared to the previous reported to be unhappy with the government season with livestock scoring between 2 and 3 of payment process which is apparently slow and their body condition. Cases of plant poisoning unacceptable. Nevertheless, most farmers‟ uses were reported especially in the areas of draught animal power to plough their crop fields Likwaterera village. and their animals are reported to be in fair to good body condition. Some farmers were able to Rundu Rural West Constituency: Late rains acquire cultivating tools such as moldboard were received this season in comparison to that ploughs and weeding cultivators through the of the previous season according to most Draught Animal Power Acceralation Program interviewed farmers. As a result, only few (DAPAP). farmers started ploughing parts of their crop fields in December. The Youth Employment Service (YES) groups do exist and operating in the area. Most of these Draft animals are reported to be in a good groups are unhappy with the amount of N$250 condition and most farmers reiterated that draft paid to them which according to them is too little. animals are available and accessible in the The groups are however advocating for the fees community. Moreover, ploughing implements paid to them equated to that of a tractor such as ploughs and hand hoes are also available ploughing services of at least N$350 per hectare. and those fortunate mostly share with the less Furthermore, the YES groups are also unhappy fortunate. As a tradition, family members carry with the government contribution on the weeding out most of their land preparation activities,

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while hired labor in the form of individuals or are however dependent on market and or groups is also accessible, at a fee. government drought/flood relief foods for food access. With regard to current maize flour price, On household food security at the majority of majority of responded have indicated that, a households according to most interviewed 50kg bag have increased on average from N$180 farmers are reported to have depleted their food last season to roughly N$200 this season. stock from own production this November. They

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North-Central Regions (Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshana and Oshikoto) Limited supplies of improved seeds from Mahenene Seed Cooperative have resulted in inadequate availability of improved seeds stock in the north central regions. According to Mahenene Seed Cooperative, most seed growers were affected by floods and heavy rains last season as an addition to inadequate foundation seeds. Under the circumstance the Coop was only able to produce 30 tons of pearl millet and sorghum as compared to 48 tons last season. Nevertheless, the Seed Coop has indicated that, government is well aware of the situation and provisions were made to produce seeds and more seeds can be expected from Etunda and Manheim research stations in not too distant future.

Government has further subsidized Mono Ammonium Phosphate inorganic fertilizers by making it at least 65% cheaper than it were last season, from N$345 to N$120 per 50 kilograms bag. Additionally, two more types of inorganic fertilizers were added this season namely, NPK (2:3:2) and Ammonium Sulphate with their respective prices of N$83 and N$127 per 50kg bag. The majority of farmers in various regions are reported to have started purchasing fertilizers as they were made cheaper through further subsidy. Furthermore government have increased ploughing subsidy from N$150 last season to N$200 per hectare ploughed, limited to three hectare per crop farming household, but the weeding subsidy remained unchanged at N$100 per hectare.

Cases of Africa Swine Fever is still reported in some parts of the regions with the latest reports from Ongenga and Endola constituencies in the Ohangwena regions and the majority of farmers are reported to have lost most of their pigs. Moreover, suspected case of Anthrax was reported in Onamagogani and Okapeleki village in Epembe constituency of the Ohangwena region where a certain person died after eating meat from cattle suspected to have died from Anthrax. Moreover, certain birds were reported to be attacking donkeys, by cutting the donkey skin open with their beaks and feed on the donkey flesh while the animals still alive. The constituencies reported this case included Onesi of the Omusati region and Epembe in Ohangwena region. Lumpy skin diseases were also reported in the eastern part of Omusati region and all the regions reported internal parasites in goats and donkeys.

With regards to household food security, the situation is tightening as most households are reported to have depleted their little harvest from the previous season and are currently dependent on market and or government drought/flood relief foods for food access. Some households especially in Ogongo constituency of the Omusati region are reported to find it difficult to access food and the situation is reported to be serious. Nevertheless, government food relief program is taking place in all the flood affected regions in order to circumvent food insecurity.

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Omusati Region : Although the improve the soil fertility of their crop fields. amount of rainfall received since the beginning Moreover, many farmers are also flocking to the of this season was not significant to activate local ADC to buy inorganic fertilizers which was vigorous cultivation, some farmers started reduced from last season‟ price of N$345 to ploughing their crop fields by end of November. N$120 per 50kg bag this season. The majority of farmers‟ uses draft animal power which is widely accessible. Tractor services are With regards to ploughing equipments, majority said to be limited in this area and most of them of farmers have indicated that moldboard are apparently refusing to participate in the ploughs and hand hoes are available and sharing government ploughing subsidy scheme claiming of these equipments is a common practice in this that government takes time to pay them. community. However, labor availability is a Moreover, tractor owners are claiming that they major concern as most farmers interviewed have prefer to work according to tractor hours than indicated that during the weeding activities, most hectares, as they deem the latter as being too big of the young people go back to school and most compared to amount of money is paid. of the works will be rest on old people. Moreover, some farmers expressed their concern Ploughing equipments are said to be available in about lack of organized groups for hired labor in the local retailers, but affordability still remains their community during weeding activities. an issue. However, some farmers were fortunate On the household food security, most households to have been recipients of ploughs and interviewed have indicated that they have cultivators through the government‟s Drought depleted their food stock from last season‟s poor Animal Power Acceleration Program (DAPAP). harvest and are currently dependent on market and government drought/flood relief foods for Elim Constituency: Although the majority of food access. farmers make use of improved seeds from the local ADC, the office received only limited Ogongo Constituency: Despite insufficient and quantity of seeds this season. On the other hand, sporadic rains received since the beginning of enough stock of inorganic fertilizers are also this season, most farmers have already started available in the area and many farmers are readying their crop fields for cultivation. reported to be flocking to the ADC in order to Notwithstanding the timely arrival of the buy fertilizers which were reduced from N$345 necessary inputs mainly seeds and fertilizers, the last season to N$120 per 50kg bag this season. demand for these inputs particularly improved At the time of this assessment only few farmers seeds was reported to be high in this area. At the have started ploughing their crop fields and the time of this assessment the Agricultural majorities are reported to be waiting for Extension Technician responsible for this sufficient rainfall to establish. constituency told the assessment team that, Due to poor harvest for the past two seasons, limited stocks of improved seeds were received most farmers were unable to produce surplus for and could not meet the growing demand from the the market and as a result, no significant sale of farmers. the produce has taken place. However, it was reported that some farmers went to other Draught animals are reported to be in fair constituencies in any effort to procure grains in condition and farmers have indicated that the order to improve their household food security. animals are not fit for ploughing. Although there On livestock health, cases of Gallbladder have are many tractors available and operating in the been reported in some areas of this constituency. area, no single tractors were registered in the government ploughing subsidy scheme. Tractors : Some parts of this owners are reported to be unhappy about the constituency, received rains toward the end of payment process of the government and are November and as a result farmers started claiming that government takes time to pay them. ploughing their crop fields and very few who did Most farmers in this area uses hired labor, the dry planted. However, most interviewed farmers youth and church groups for weeding activities. expressed concerns regarding the suitability of their cropping land, as they feel it has lost : Inorganic fertilizers as nutrients over the years. Nevertheless, most well as limited quantity of improved seeds are farmers tend to apply livestock manure to currently available at the local ADC and most

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farmers are flocking to the office to buy seeds. are available around the area, but private tractor Since productive rains have not yet been owners are reluctant to participate in the received, only few farmers started ploughing government ploughing subsidy scheme. Tractor their crops field, using mostly draught animal owners are reportedly unhappy about the power. According to some who were spoken to, government payment subsidy scheme which draught animas are in fair to poor condition and according to them takes time to pay them. can only be used for a short time in the early morning hours or late afternoon while is cool. Most farmers mentioned applying kraal manure to their land before ploughing. However, Most farmers own appropriate cultivating inorganic fertilizers as well as improved seeds equipments and only few who might be sharing are also available and accessible at the local equipments with others. Marketing of pearl ADC at a government subsidized prices. millet grains seems to be progressing smoothly As a cultural practice, farmers retain their local in the constituency and farmers are reported to seed varieties from the previous harvests. have been selling their grains to the commercial millers through their local ADC at N$60 per latta On the current household food security, majority (i.e. 17kg). of farmers are reported to have depleted their food stocks from the previous harvests and are : Most farmers are currently currently dependent on purchases from the busy repairing their fence, clearing the land for market and government flood/drought relief cultivation and some have started ploughing their foods for food access. crop fields. The majority of farmers were able to procure sufficient local varieties seeds from the : Both improved seeds previous last season, since this constituency was and fertilizers were received on time at the less affected by flood. Moreover, improved seeds constituency office and are available at and inorganic fertilizers are also available at the subsidized prices. The ADC also received local ADC at a subsidized price of N$7.50/kg as improved seeds from the Climate Change Project well as free seeds given to vulnerable members to be distributed to the identified vulnerable of the society from the Climate Change Project people in the constituency. The majority of (CCP) of the UNDP for the . farmers use draught animals to cultivate their crop fields and some have already started On livestock health, cases of Lumpy Skin ploughing despite inadequate rainfall received. disease are still being reported in the area especially in Ompanda village and the With regards to availability of labor, most surrounding areas. Farmers in these areas are farmers make use of family members especially complaining about increase of theft cases of their on weeding activities. Due to poor harvest last cattle. One of the farmers interviewed have season, only few farmers were able to produce indicated that, his cattle were stolen last year and surplus for the market. he is suspecting that they were taken to Angola. Grazing were reported to be in better to good It is alleged that, some Angolan nationals who conditions in some places but some farmers have were previously employed in the area to look moved their livestock to cattle posts for better after cattle are the main suspects. The farmers grazing conditions. indicated that, his animals were not recovered nor any arrests were made. In addition, cases of : Although this was one of internal parasites in donkeys are widely reported the constituencies which was affected by flood in most parts of the constituency. Moreover, last season most interviewed farmers indicated some of the interviewed farmers are complaining that they managed to reserve some local seeds about certain birds attaching their donkeys, from the previous season. Improved seeds and eating the flesh part of the animals while the inorganic fertilizers are available at a subsidized animal is alive. price at the local ADC. Very few farmers had begun ploughing their field while the majority of : Productive rains were them are still waiting for the productive rainfall only received toward the end of November and for them to respond. Although many farmers use as a result, some farmers started ploughing some draft animal power to plough their fields, tractors portions of their crop fields. Regarding the services are also available in the area. Due to modes of ploughing, draft animals and tractors poor harvest last season, the majority of farmers

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was unable to produce surplus for the market and households have family members, especially hence could not sell. However, some framers are during December holiday. reported to have bought mahangu grains from other areas were surplus has been recorded. With regards to household food security, most households are reported to have depleted their With regards to household food security, most food stocks from the previous seasons and are interviewed households indicated that they are currently dependent on market and drought/flood still dependent on the little harvest from last relief foods for foods access. In addition, the season supplemented by food purchases from the sharp increase in food prices especially maize market in order for it to last longer. On livestock meal is a major concern to some households as health, cases of internal parasite in donkeys were the price has risen roughly by 19% on average widely reported in the area and some farmers are from N$187 in past season to N$223 this season. reported to have lost some of their animals as a result of this problem. : This was one of the constituencies which were less affected by flood : The assessment team hence the majority of farmers were able to was unable to conduct farmer‟s interviews in this reserve sufficient seeds from the previous constituency due to the fact that the Agricultural harvest. Furthermore, improved seeds for both Extension Technician assigned to this area is pearl millet and sorghum are available at the very new, unfamiliar with the area and was not local ADC at a subsidized price as well as available at his duty station. The assessment inorganic fertilizers. team however, can provide information based on self observation. At the time of this assessment, Despite the reasonable number of the private most parts of the constituency are dry and very tractors available and operating in the few farmers started ploughing their crop fields. It constituency, only one tractor owner showed an is apparent that, the area received few showers interest to participate in the government which were not sufficient enough to activate ploughing subsidy scheme. Most tractor owners cultivations. are reported to be unhappy with the conditions of the ploughing subsidy scheme claiming that the The grazing condition was observed to be better scheme is disadvantaging them. One of the to fair in various areas and is showing some conditions of the scheme is that the ploughed improvements in response to rains received. area charged by the private tractors participating Livestock were observed to be in fair condition. in the scheme should be equivalent to a hectare. It was reported that, tractor owner are not happy : Despite the limited with this condition, claiming that a hectare in too supply of improved seeds, it was reported that big compared to what they usually cover at the more seeds are available from various sources. same charges. Nevertheless, most farmers are For instance, some farmers retained seeds from using draft animals to cultivate their crop fields. previous harvest, others purchased from the old Internal parasites in donkeys have been reported age pension payout. With regards to the draft in most parts of the constituency and some animal power, most interviewed farmers have farmers are reported to have lost some of their indicated that their animals are presently in a fair animals to this problem. state, while the general pasture condition hasn‟t yet properly established. The labor availability seems not to be a problem at present, as most

Ohangwena Region : Many farmers were inadequate supply of these seeds in the region. unable to reserve sufficient own local seed Few tractors (about 3) are known to be available varieties from the previous season due to poor and operating in the area, but at the time of this harvest resulted from floods and heavy rains last assessment, there was only one tractor owner season. As a result, majority of farmers are showed an interest to participate in the regularly visiting their local ADC in search of government ploughing subsidy scheme. improved seeds. Improved seed are currently Nevertheless, most farmers uses draft animal available at the local ADC, but limited due to powers to plough their fields and most of them

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started to plough their crop fields since the end dependent on purchases from the market for food of November. access. Moreover, government drought/flood relief foods is underway but there are complains On livestock health, cases of internal parasites in about distributions as some areas especially goats were widely reported in most parts of this Omundundu village have indicated that they are constituency and farmers were advised to buy not receiving foods at all. On livestock health, appropriate medicine from the local pharmacy. cases of internal parasites in goats were widely On the household food security, most farmers in reported in most parts of the constituency and this constituency could not obtained good some farmers are reported to have lost some of harvest due to floods and heavy rains last season. their animals to this problem. Therefore, most households are reported to have depleted their little food stocks from last season Epembe Constituency: The majority of farmers and are currently dependent on the market and were able to reserve local seed varieties from the government flood/drought relief foods. previous harvest because of a better harvest last season. Improved seeds as well as inorganic : Although most farmers fertilizers are also available at the local ADC at in this constituency were unable to retain the subsidized prices. Most farmers in this area use local seed varieties, improved seeds as well as draft animal power (mainly oxen) to plough their inorganic fertilizers are available at the local crop fields. Farmers are still unable to participate ADC at a 50% subsidy. As most parts of this in the government ploughing subsidy services constituency received some showers, some since there are no single private tractors available farmers have started ploughing their crop fields in this constituency. Tractor owners are while the rest are reported to be waiting for reportedly claiming that crop fields are not clear sufficient rainfall for them to get started. from stamps and the distance between crop farms is too big. Farmers are therefore, requesting the Regarding the household food security, the government to extend ploughing subsidy service majorities of households are reported to have to draft animal power. finished their little harvest by end of August and are now dependent on the market for food access. On livestock health, suspected cases of Anthrax Moreover, government drought/flood relief has been reported in Onamagogani and foods are taking place and according to the Okapeleki villages. This disease is reported to interviewed households, they are thankful of the have claimed a person‟s life where a certain government for providing them foods in the elderly person was reported to have died after difficult times. Cases of African swine fever consuming meat from a cattle suspected to have were reported in Okandolwena village and many died of Anthrax. Moreover, cases of internal farmers are reported to have lost their pigs to this parasites mainly in goats were reported in some problem. parts of the constituency. Other than this, no major livestock disease/conditions has been : Farmers have started with reported and both pasture and livestock are land preparations and only few have started reported to be in better to good condition. ploughing their fields as due to insufficient rainfall. Traditionally, most farmers keep own : This constituency was seeds from the previous seasons, but many one of the few areas that received a good harvest farmers in this area were unable to retain enough last season and as a result, most farmers were and good quality seeds because of poor harvest able to reserve sufficient seeds from last season‟s last season. Nevertheless, improved seeds as harvest. Improved seeds and inorganic fertilizers well as inorganic fertilizers are available at the are available at the local ADC at a subsidized local ADC at a 50% subsidy. Moreover, local price and some farmers have already bought seed varieties are available at the Open Markets themselves these inputs. About 5 private tractors costing about N$10 per kilogram of pearl millet are known to be available and operating in the or sorghum while price for leguminous crops area, but none of the tractor owners have showed cost about N$10 per half of a kilogram. interest to participate in the government subsidy scheme. It was reported that tractor owners are With regards to household food security, most complaining about the late payment from the households are reported to have depleted their government. food stock from previous harvest and are now

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One of the concerns facing this area is the Household food security is tightening as most unavailability of the organized groups used households are reported to have depleted their during the weeding activities. It was reported food stock from the previous harvest and are that these groups are currently non existing and now dependent on the markets and or those that have been in operational were government drought/flood relief foods for food dissolved because the members are complaining access. No major livestock diseases were that a hectare is too big as compared to the reported at the time of this assessment and amount of N$250 received. Group members are livestock are reported to be in a fair condition demanding that the amount of money charged with pasture showing some slight recovery as a after the weeding service should be equated to result of some light showers received. that of the tractor services (to about N$280-300). Omundaungilo constituency: Most farmers in On livestock health, an isolated case of a this constituency were able to procure sufficient suspected Anthrax has been reported recently in own local seeds from last season„s harvest. In a certain village along the border between addition, improved seeds as well as inorganic Namibia and Angola where cattle has reported to fertilizers are available at the local ADC at have died after showing symptoms resembling subsidized prices. There are only two known that of the Anthrax. Moreover, internal and tractors available in this area of which only one parasites in both cattle and goats have been is in a good working order and registered to reported in the area and farmers were advised to participate in the government ploughing subsidy buy appropriate medicines in the local pharmacy program. Nonetheless the majority of farmers‟ for this problem. uses draft animal power to cultivate their fields. Farmers are therefore requesting the government : There about three to extend the ploughing subsidy program to private tractors operating in the area and those that are using draft animal for ploughing. according to farmers, they are not enough since With regards to access to cultivation equipments, the constituency is very big. Nonetheless, land most farmers have indicated that they have at preparation is underway in terms of removing least the necessary implements for cultivation stalks from the previous season; applications of and spare parts to these equipments are also kraal manure and some farmers have started available within a reasonable distance at the local planting and ploughing their fields. Most parts of (Eenhana, Ondangwa, Oshikango) warehouse the constituency are dry and majority of farmers and retailer shops. are reported to be waiting for productive rainfall for them to start ploughing their crop fields. On the household food security, the majority of the households are still dependent on own Availability of local seed varieties is relatively production for food supply except the few and poor with most farmers due to poor harvest last the san people that are reported to be dependent season. However, improved seeds and inorganic on the market and government drought/flood fertilizers are available at the local ADC at a relief foods. On livestock health, non major 50% subsidy. No major livestock diseases disease outbreak reported in the area, except an reported in the area. Pasture and animal unusual condition has been reported in conditions are fair and grazing conditions are Omukukutu village an area that border expected to improve if more rains continue to Omundaungilo and Epembe constituencies fall. where certain birds are reported to have attacking donkey, feeding on their flesh while the animal : With the received is still alive. rainfall, fewer farmers have started ploughing their crop fields. Most farmers indicated that, : Few farmers started they don not have enough seed from their harvest cultivation and the majority are still busy with as a result of the poor harvest experience in the land clearance, kraal manure application, and the previous season. However there are seeds likes, since no enough rains received at the time available at the agricultural centre as well as of this assessment. Improved seeds as well as open market in the constituency. Farmers inorganic fertilizers are available at the local indicated that, prices of seeds are high at the ADC at a 50% subsidy and most farmers have open market whereby a 500g costing N$10.00 registered to participate in the Government Seeds for all the local crop seed types. and Fertilizer Program. Additionally, traditional

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seeds are readily available at the open market according to farmers is much better than within the town area of Oshikango at about N$12 previous season. No major livestock diseases per kilogram bag. On livestock health, nom were reported at the time of this assessment. major disease was reported at the time of this assessment and grazing condition is fair, but : This was one of the expected to recover if rains continue. flood affected constituencies in the region and as a result, majority of farmers were unable to On the household food security, the situation is procure sufficient own local seeds varieties from tightening as the majorities of households are last year‟s harvest. Consequently many farmers reported to have depleted their food stock from visit their local ADC regularly in search for the previous harvest and are now dependent on improved seeds and the ADC only received the market and or government drought/flood limited supply of pearl millet seeds and has relief foods for food access. already finished.

Ondobe Constituency: Following poor harvest Few farmers have started ploughing their crop from the previous seasons, majority of farmers fields, but the majorities are still waiting for were unable to secure their local seed varieties sufficient rainfall. The soil in most part of the from little harvest they had last season. However, constituency is currently dry and most improved seeds and fertilizers are available at interviewed farmers described this season‟s their local Agricultural Development Centre at a rainfall performance as insufficient, erratic and 50% subsidy as well as the open markets costing sporadic. Most farmers are reported to have about N$10 per kilogram for pearl millet or sufficient access to ploughing equipments as sorghum. well as suitable land for cultivation. With regards to change in household food security, most Due to insufficient rains received, only few households are reported to have depleted food farmers have started ploughing their crop fields, stock from the previous harvest and are now while the rest are reported to be waiting for dependent on market and to some extend productive rains for them to get started. government drought/flood relief foods. On According to majority of interviewed farmers, livestock health, cases of Africa Swine Fever most of them use draught animals or hand hoes have been widely reported in the constituency for land preparations. Tractors are very scarce in especially villages that border between Namibia the constituency and most tractor owners are not and Angola. Many pigs in the affected areas are willing to participate in the government reported to have died as a result of this disease ploughing subsidy scheme, claiming that delayed and at the time of this assessment, the situation is payments from the government is unacceptable. still stable. Farmers are however requesting the government, in particular, the Directorate of With regards to household food security, Veterinary Services to urgently respond to the majority of households are reported to have situation. In addition, few cases of external depleted their food stocks from previous poor parasites (flies) in cattle have been reported harvest and are now dependent on the market especially in Ongudi village and surrounding and or government drought/flood relief foods for areas. food access. The pasture was reported to be in a fair condition and livestock body condition

Oshana Region : Most parts of the Enough tractors are reported to be available and constituency are still dry and most farmers are operating in the constituency and some of the still waiting for productive rains for them to start tractor owners have registered their tractors to with cultivation. Sporadic and erratic rains were participate in the government ploughing subsidy received in the area and only few started scheme. ploughing their crop fields. Although, most On the weeding subsidy services, about fourteen farmers retain their own seeds from the previous groups have registered to participate in the harvests, majority are reported to be relaying on weeding subsidy scheme for this season. No the improved seeds provided by the Ministry of livestock diseases have been reported in the area Agriculture, Water and Forestry on 50% subsidy.

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and livestock were reported to be in body good good quality seeds. However, improved seeds as condition. well as inorganic fertilizers are available at the ADC at subsidized prices. Most farmers use Uukwiyu Constituency: Although land livestock manure to improve soil fertility for preparation is underway and some farmers have their crop fields. The constituency is reported to started ploughing parts of their crop fields, the have enough private tractors operating in the area majority of farmers are said to be waiting for and some tractor owners are reported to have sufficient rains for them to respond. Improved registered their tractors to participate in the seeds as well as inorganic fertilizers are still government ploughing subsidy scheme. available at the local ADC and farmers are However, farmers are complaining that, only few encouraged to visit the ADC in order to buy farmers are allowed to participate in the seeds. Moreover, seeds are also available at the ploughing subsidy scheme and the majority of open Market in Ondangwa and are selling at them were turned away. about N$10 per kilogram for pearl millet and sorghum and N$10 for half a kilogram for the For the three consecutive seasons most farmers local leguminous crops. received poor harvests and this has resulted in reduced foods at household level. Only few With regards to availability of ploughing households that are said to be dependent on last equipments, some farmers were able to acquire season‟s harvest for food access, but the majority cultivation equipments through the DAPAP and are reported to have depleted their food stocks farmers are requesting the government to and are now dependent on the markets and or continue the program as it helped them. For the government drought/flood relief foods. On marketing of grains in the area, farmers are livestock health, no major diseases have been reported to be complaining about the price of reported during the time of this assessment and N$50/ latta miller owners are willing to give, the grazing areas were reported to be in better to which according to farmers is too low as good conditions. compared to N$70per latta at the open market. In this regards, farmers are not considerate of the Ompundja Constituency: Improved seeds are transport costs miller owners are incurring if they available at the local ADC, Regional Councilor‟s are to buy at the same price as that of the open office as well as at the local farmer‟s coop. market. although at the time of this assessment the area seems to be dry, very few farmers started : Sporadic and erratic ploughing the crop fields, but the majority of Rainfall has been dominating the season and as a them are reported to be waiting for productive result, very few farmers started ploughing their rains for them to get started. Both livestock and crop fields while the majorities are still waiting pasture were reported to be in good condition for enough rains. Although most of the and draft animals are well fit for ploughing respondents have indicated that their land is not activities. that fertile, none reported applying any fertilizers but most of them are using livestock manure to On the household food security, most farmers fertilize their crop fields. interviewed have indicated that they have depleted their food stocks from previous poor Most farmers use tractors to plough the crop crop harvest and are currently dependent on fields and the demand for them is reported to be market and government drought/flood foods for high. Nevertheless, some farmers use draft food access. animal power to plough their fields and most of them has easy access to cultivation implements. Ondangwa Constituency: Due to poor harvests With regards to household food security status, for the past seasons as a result of heavy floods most respondents expressed diverse feelings. and heavy rains, most farmers in this area are Some still rely on own production, while others reported to have been unable to retain enough have depleted own food reserves. good quality seeds. Therefore, the demand for seeds is high in this area and the limited supply Okatyali Constituency: This was one of the of improved seeds was not enough farmers are hardest hit areas in the region by floods and only allowed to purchase two bags of 2 kg of heavy rains. As a result, most farmers received seeds per crop variety because of inadequate poor harvest and were unable to retain sufficient supply of seeds received.

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constituency, none of the tractor owners have Few farmers started ploughing their crop fields showed interest to participate in the ploughing as from end November while the majority of subsidy services. Nevertheless tractor owners them are still waiting for sufficient rains to together with the Directorate of Extension and established. With regards to the current Engineering Services are expected to meet in the household security, most household are reported third week of December 2009 in order to discuss to have finished their food stock from previous various affected them. harvest and are now depending on the market and or government drought/flood relief foods for constituency: Majority of food access. Most households interviewed are farmers interviewed have indicated that, they grateful of the government assistance in were able to retain traditional seed varieties from providing them food assistance and are previous season and few of them bought some at requesting the government to continue assisting Open Market in Oshakati at about N$10 per 1kg them until they are able to regain their normal for pearl millets and sorghum. livelihoods. On the livestock health, no major Farmers are concerned about poor soil fertility livestock diseases were reported at the time of due to recurrent floods and water logging this assessment. With limited grazing space in condition during floods in the area. Enough the area, most livestock especially cattle are kept tractors are available and operating in most parts at the cattle posts for better grazing conditions. of the constituency and some farmers are still using draft animal power to cultivate their crop fields. In addition, most farmers are reported to : The majority of have easy access to cultivating equipments. farmers in this constituency were negatively affected by floods last season and as a result Due to poor harvests last seasons most farmers most farmers were unable to obtain sufficient were reported to have produced no marketable seeds. Moreover, few supply of improved seeds surplus, and as a result, no major sales were were received but could not meet the swelling reported, despite the higher demand for pearl demand and at the time of this assessment millet grains. On the household food security, improved seeds which were received from most households are said to have depleted their Omahenene seed cooperative have been finished. food stocks by September and therefore relying on purchases from the market and or government Most parts of this constituency are dry and only drought/flood relief foods. few farmers have started ploughing their crop fields using either draft animals and or tractors. It : Although majority of was reported that there are more than 10 tractors farmers were able to retain seeds from a better available in the constituency, but none of the harvest previous season, improved seeds and tractor owner showed any interest to participate inorganic fertilizers are also available at the local in the government ploughing subsidy scheme. ADC. Draught animal power is the main mode Tractor owners are reported to be unhappy about of ploughing method used by most farmers in the conditions of the government ploughing this area. Tractor services are limited in this area. subsidy scheme. Moreover, ploughing implements, especially hand hoes and ploughs are widely available and Constituency: Most farmers in accessible. During weeding activities, most this constituency were unable to retain sufficient farmers are reported to make use of learners quality seeds from the previous harvest due to from various Primary schools in the constituency. floods and heavy rains. Nevertheless, improved seeds are currently available at various On household food security situation, most distribution centres in the constituency at a farmers are reported to have depleted food stocks subsidised price of N$7.50 per kilogram. Few from own harvests and rely on purchases from farmers have started ploughing their crop fields retailers and or government drought/flood relief but the majority are expected to commence once foods. Both grazing and livestock are said to be the rainfall has sufficiently established. in good condition.

Despite the reasonable number of tractors of close to 10 tractors known to be operating in the

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Oshikoto Region Eengodi Constituency: This constituency was ploughing subsidy scheme. Most tractor owners one of the areas that received a comparatively are reported to be unhappy with the payment better harvest in the region. Most farmers were process from the government which apparently is able to produce foods enough to sustain them to needlessly slow. Nevertheless, most farmers are the next harvest and even beyond. Some farmers currently using draft animals to cultivate their sold their pearl millets grains to the millers‟ fields. Pasture is recovering from dry season and owners who are reported to have a regular visit no major livestock diseases reported in the area, to farmers for procurement of the grains stock. except internal parasites and Manges in goats were reported in Iilya villages and surrounding On livestock health, cases of Manges and areas. . internal parasites in goats were widely reported in most parts of the constituency and farmers are : This constituency was requesting the government to bring appropriate the hardest hit in the region and as a result veterinary medicines closer to them. Draft majority of farmers were unable to produce animals are in good condition and fit for enough good quality seeds. Nevertheless, limited cultivation. Most farmers use their family supply of improved seeds is available at the local members as a source of labor and there are also ADC. Moreover, inorganic fertilizers are also youth groups that can be hired to provide available at the same office and this season the weeding services to the farmers price has been slashed from N$345 last season to N$120 per 50kg bag this season. Most farmers : This is one of the utilize tractors, with the exception of some few constituencies that have received a relative good villages of Onyome, Ashimpumbe and Epumbu harvest last season in the region. Most farmers whereby draft animals are mainly used. have retained seeds from the previous harvest and have started ploughing and planted their Private tractor owners are reportedly charging fields. Very few tractors operating in this area N$300 as compared to N$250 per tractor hour and due to vast distance between farmers tractor last season. To improve, soil fertility, a handful hardly operate in the area. It was reported that, of farmers applied fertilizers to their cropping few tractors operating in the area are from land, while the majority made use of livestock outside the constituency do not participate in the manure. During weeding activities, as a tradition, government ploughing subsidy scheme. farmer‟s uses family member for weeding, but Nonetheless, farmers use draft animal power to hired labor is also reported to be accessible in the cultivate their crop fields. Some farmers are said area. to share draft animals and equipments during Last season‟s harvest was not favorable to most ploughing activities. It was also reported that, no farmers as their fields were flooded. As a result, youth or any organised groups for weeding exist most households have already depleted their in this area food stock and are now dependent on buying from retailers and drought/flood relief foods for Most farmers in this constituency were able to food access. Additionally, remittances and old produce marketable surplus and trading of pearl age grant is to a large extent enabling most millet and sorghum is progressing well where households to access food through the market. one latta of pearl millet is trading at N$ 65 while that of sorghum is costing N$70. No major Constituency: Improved seeds are livestock diseases were reported in the area since currently available at the local ADC although October up to the time of this assessment. limited supply. Moreover, local church has also assisted farmers with seed especially the : As a tradition, most vulnerable household identified in the farmers keep their local varieties seeds from the constituency. previous season. Improved seeds of pearl millet The Youth Employment Services (YES) are (mainly Kangara) and sorghum are available at reportedly in existence and available in the area the local ADC at subsidized prices. especially for weeding activities. Farmers with access mahangu find it difficult to transport their About three tractors are known to be operating in mahangu to the available black market. the area of which only one tractor owner showed an interest to participate in the government

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The western part of the constituency was heavily season. Moreover, improved seeds as well as affected by floods hence the household food inorganic fertilizers are available at the local security situation is critical at the moment. Most ADC at subsidized prices. Tractors are the major households are reported to have depleted their mode of ploughing method used by the majority food stocks from the little harvest last season and of farmers, but they are reported to be not are now dependent on market and or government sufficient. On the other hand, ploughing flood/drought relief foods for food access. On implements are mostly accessible, but livestock health, internal parasites in goats have affordability remains an issue. been widely reported in most parts of the In improving soil fertility, most farmers that constituency. Moreover, cases of Gall blander in have livestock applied livestock manure, cattle were reported in Okaluwa village. The although it is not sufficient to cover all their crop grazing as well as livestock were reported to be area. in better condition and expected to improve as more rains are received. Pasture and grazing were reported to be in fair condition. On livestock, but few cases of rabies Omuthiya Constituency: Most farmers have in donkeys were reported around Okantonge started ploughing their crop fields toward the end village. of November, when some good showers were received. Improved seeds and fertilizers are : Notable showers were available at the local ADC. Moreover, more received in November and this led to few seeds (though not certified) can be accessed at farmers to get started ploughing their crop fields the Open market in the town of Omuthiya. The in December. On ploughing mechanisms, most majority of farmers in this area hardly use farmers make use of tractor services. Regarding fertilizers but livestock manures are commonly ploughing implements, only some farmers who used. attended DAPAP were able to buy cultivators and ploughs as well as their spare parts are easily The current household food security situation is accessible in Ondangwa. satisfactory with some farmers still dependent on own harvest from previous season for food Most farmers use family members to partake in access. Moreover some households are agricultural activities during school supplementing their little harvest with purchases holiday/festive season period. However youth from the shops in order for it to last longer. No groups are also available, but are discouraged as livestock diseases were reported in the they deem a hectare being too big for a N$250. constituency and grazing areas were observed to The youth groups are therefore demanding that be in a better condition as compared to the their fee should be equated to that of a tractor, previous season. since they all cover a hectare. Farmers also stated that they have retained some traditional seeds from past season and some intend on Most farmers have started to prepare their fields supplementing that by purchasing improved for cultivation and some begun planting and seeds from the ADC. On household food security ploughing their fields. Most farmers have the situation, most farmers did not have a good necessary tools for cultivation and as a tradition; harvest last season due to floods and heavy rains. they retain some seeds from the previous Consequently, most households rely heavily on harvests. The majority of farmers in this the markets for food access. constituency are using draft animal power to cultivate their fields. Most farmers are optimistic about the season and if good rains continued for Onyaanya Constituency: Despite the the rest of the season, good harvest is likely. availability of subsidised improved seeds & Pasture is recovering from the dry period and fertilizers in the area, only few farmers started animals are said to be in good state. ploughing their crop fields. The majority of farmers have not yet started ploughing their crop : In November, on fields due to insufficient rainfall received since average 40% of farmers are reported to have the beginning of the season. started ploughing parts of their crop fields. The majority of farmers are reported to have retained With regards to availability of tractor services in their own local seed varieties from the previous the area, most interviewed farmers have

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indicated that enough tractors are available, but tractor owners are not happy with the conditions experience from last season has showed that out of the government ploughing subsidy scheme of more than ten tractors operating in the area, and also argued that government takes time to only 4 participated in the government ploughing pay them. subsidy services. It was reported that, most

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The National Early Warning and Food Information Unit of the Directorate of Planning use information from various institutions and organisations within Namibia in order to compile this report. This report was compiled with the aid of primary information and reports sourced from the following Institutions and Organisations.

 Directorate of Extension and Engineering Services (DEES)

 Directorate of Research and Training (DRT)

 Regional Councils

 Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB)

 Mahenene Seed Cooperative

 Likwama Farmers Association

 Meteorological Services of Namibia

 Directorate of Disaster Risk management

 Directorate of Veterinary Services

 National Planning Commission (NPC)

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