National Early Warning and Food Information System

NATIONAL EARLY WARNING AND FOOD INFORMATION SYSTEM

Republic of Namibia

AGRICULTURAL INPUTS AND HOUSEHOLD FOOD SECURITY SITUATION REPORT DECEMBER 2013

HIGHLIGHTS

 As it was the case last season, the 2013/2014 cropping season noted a slight delay in the start of the rainfall season. The normal start of the rain season is usually as from mid October. At the time of this assessment in November, all the regions have not yet received productive rains. However, by the end of this assessment and early December, most regions are reported to have received good showers, enough to trigger cultivation activities.

 Inadequate supply and delayed delivery of pearl millet and sorghum seeds from the Seed Cooperative at Mahenene in the Omusati region were reported in the northern communal crop producing regions. At the time of this assessment, both subsidy and free seeds for pearl millet and sorghum have not yet arrived in the regions. It was reported that the Seed Cooperative in the Omusati region had limited supply of seeds and completed packing and were still waiting for the directive from the Directorate of Research and Training on the distribution modality.

 Pasture conditions from various parts of the regions is said to have deteriorated greatly and many farmers are reported to have lost some of their livestock due to the prevailing drought conditions. Many farmers are eagerly waiting for the rain to bring a much needed relief not only to the improvement of the grazing areas, but also to perk up water availability for their livestock. Nevertheless, the most likely scenario is that, grazing conditions are expected to improve as most parts of the regions are reported to have received some good showers lately.

 Household food security situation has seemingly weakened and fragile in the regions as most households have reportedly depleted their last season’s harvest and now dependent on the market and drought relief foods for food access. According to households interviewed last season’s harvest only lasted between July and August this year.

Table of Contents 1.0 OVERVIEW ...... 1

2.0 SADC REGIONAL RAINFALL OUTLOOK (OCTOBER 2013 – MARCH 2014)……….2

3.0 SEASONAL RAINFALL OUTLOOK FOR NAMIBIA (OCTOBER 2013 – MARCH 2014)……….6

4.0 FOOD SECURITY SITUATION ...... 9

6.0 PASTURE AND LIVESTOCK CONDITIONS ...... 11

7.0 CROP PRODUCTION OUTLOOK FOR 2013/2014 CROP SEASON ...... 12

8.0 SITUATION BY REGION ...... 15

10.0 CONCLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 39

9.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 40

1. OVERVIEW

The National Early Warning & Food Information Unit (NEWFIU) in collaboration with its cooperating partners carried out the abovementioned assessment in the six northern communal crop producing regions1 as from 4th to 29th November 2013. The main purpose of this assessment 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 2013/14 crop season in terms of land preparation. Moreover the mission assessed changes in household food security, marketing of the 2012/2013 harvest, livestock and pasture conditions.

The assessment team visited the Regional Council and was briefed by the Regional Council Management team who provided information among other things, current household food security as well as progress on the agricultural season. The assessment team proceeded to the Regional Agricultural Extension Office where they were briefed by the Chief Agricultural Scientific Officer and Chief Agricultural Extension Technicians before proceeding to constituencies in each of the northern communal crop producing regions. Information of each constituency was obtained from both primary (field observation & farmers’ interviews) and secondary sources (agricultural extension officials, 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 briefing meetings were followed by field visits to three to four 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. 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 Oshikoto region 2. SADC REGION SEASONAL RAINFALL OUTLOOK (October 2013 – March 2014) The Seventeenth Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF 17) was held in Harare, Zimbabwe as from 28-30 August 2013 to present a consensus outlook for the 2013/2014 rainfall season over the SADC region. Climate scientists from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) National Meteorological and/or Hydrological Services (NMHSs), the SADC Climate Services Centre (CSC) formulated this outlook. This outlook covers the major rainfall season from October 2013 to March 2014. The outlooks are presented in overlapping three-monthly periods as follows: October- November-December (OND); November-December- January (NDJ); December-January-February (DJF) and January-February-March (JFM) as presented in Fig 1 and Fig 2 below.

This Outlook is relevant only to seasonal (overlapping three-monthly) time-scales and relatively large areas and may not fully account for all factors that influence regional and national climate variability, such as local and month-to-month variations (intra-seasonal). Users are strongly advised to contact the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services for interpretation of this Outlook, additional guidance and updates.

According to the forecast, most of the SADC region is likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall for the period of October – November - December 2013. However, south-westernmost Angola, coastal areas of Namibia, west coastal South Africa and northernmost Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are more likely to receive normal to below-normal rainfall, (figure 1 below). In the November-December 2013- January 2014 period, bulk of the SADC region is likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall, while the greater part of DRC, northernmost and south-western Angola and western fringes of Namibia and South Africa are likely to receive normal to below-normal rainfall, ( see figure 2 below). Bulk of both contiguous SADC and the islands states of Madagascar and Mauritius are likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall during December 2013 to February 2014, (Figure 3 below). However, south- western Angola, most of Namibia, western half of Botswana, most of central and western parts of South Africa and Lesotho are likely to receive above-normal to normal rainfall while the eastern half of Tanzania is likely to receive normal to below-normal rainfall. For the period January to March 2014, the bulk of SADC is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall. However, the tongue stretching from eastern coast of northern Mozambique through central parts of the region extending to the south western central parts of the region are likely to receive above-normal to normal rainfall, (see figure 4 below).

2 October-November-December 2013

Figure 1: SADC October – November - December 2013 Rainfall Forecast

Zone 1: Northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall Zone 2: Northern Tanzania. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 3: Northern Mozambique, southern Tanzania, northern Malawi, northernmost Zambia, bulk of DRC and north-western half of Angola. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 4: Central Mozambique, southern Malawi, northern half of Zimbabwe, most of Zambia, Southern most DRC, south-eastern half of Angola, bulk of Namibia, western half of Botswana, most of central and western parts of South Africa, western parts of Lesotho. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 5: Extreme south-western Zambia, Caprivi area, south-easternmost Angola, south-western half of Zimbabwe, eastern half of Botswana, most of northern South Africa, Swaziland and southern Mozambique. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 6: South-westernmost Angola and western coastal areas of Namibia and South Africa. Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall Zone 7: Western Madagascar. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 8: Eastern Madagascar. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 9: Southern Madagascar Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 10: Mauritius. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Fig 1: Rainfall forecast for October-December 2013

3 November-December 2013 -January 2014

Figure 2: SADC November -December 2013 to January 2014 Rainfall Forecast

Zone 1: Bulk of DRC and northernmost Angola. Increased chances of normal to below-normal 3 rainfall Zone 2: Northernmost Tanzania. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 3: Northern Mozambique, bulk of Tanzania, northern Malawi, northern and western Zambia, southern DRC, bulk of Angola, most of Namibia, western half of Botswana, most of central and western parts of South Africa. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 4: Southern Zambia, southern Malawi, northern half of Zimbabwe and central parts of Mozambique. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 5: Southern half of Zimbabwe, eastern half of Botswana, north and central South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland and southern Mozambique. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 6: South-westernmost Angola, western fringes of Namibia and South Africa. Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall Zone 7: Bulk of Madagascar. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 8: Southernmost Madagascar. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 9: Mauritius. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall

4 December 2013 – January-February 2014

Fig 3: Rainfall forecast for December 2013-January-February 2014

Zone 1: DRC, Zambia, Malawi, bulk of Angola, most of Zimbabwe, greater part of Mozambique and western half of Tanzania. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 2: Eastern half of Tanzania. Increased chances of normal to below-normal rainfall Zone 3: South-western Angola, most of Namibia, western half of Botswana, most of central and western parts of South Africa and Lesotho. Increased chances of above-normal to normal rainfall Zone 4: Southern third of Zimbabwe, eastern half of Botswana, north and central South Africa, eastern Lesotho, Swaziland and southern Mozambique.. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 5: South-western fringe of Namibia and south-western South Africa. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 6: Western Madagascar. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 7: Eastern Madagascar. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 8: Southernmost Madagascar. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 9: Mauritius. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall

5 January-February- March 2014

Fig 4: Rainfall forecast for January-February-March 2014

Zone 1: Bulk of DRC and northernmost Angola. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 2: Northernmost Tanzania. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 3: Northern Mozambique, bulk of Tanzania, northern Malawi, northern and western Zambia, southern DRC, bulk of Angola, most of Namibia, western half of Botswana, most of central and western parts of South Africa and western parts of Lesotho. Increased chances of above-normal to normal rainfall Zone 4: Southern Zambia, southern Malawi, northern half of Zimbabwe and central parts of Mozambique. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 5: Southern half of Zimbabwe, eastern half of Botswana, north and central South Africa, eastern Lesotho, Swaziland and southern Mozambique. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 6: South-westernmost Angola, western fringes of Namibia and South Africa. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 7: Bulk of Madagascar. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 8: Southernmost Madagascar. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall Zone 9: Mauritius. Increased chances of normal to above-normal rainfall

6 3. SEASONAL RAINFALL OUTLOOK FOR NAMIBIA (October 2013 – March 2014) According to the Meteorological Services of Namibia the rainfall outlook for the period of October to December 2013 is divided in three regions (fig 3). Region I and III are expected to receive normal to below- normal rainfall while region II on the other hand is expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.

OUTLOOK NORMAL

Figure 5: October to December 2012 Rainfall Forecast

Zone I: Higher likelihood of Below-Normal to Normal Rainfall. Zone II: Higher likelihood of Normal to Above-Normal Rainfall.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2013 –JANUARY 2014 (NDJ) OUTLOOK NORMAL

Figure 6: November - December 2013 Rainfall Forecast

Zone I: Higher likelihood of Normal to Below-Normal Rainfall. Zone II: Higher likelihood of Normal to Above-Normal Rainfall.

7 DECEMBER 2013 - JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014 (DJF)

OUTLOOK NORMAL

Figure 7: December 2013 – January – February 2014 Rainfall Forecast

Higher likelihood of Above to Normal Rainfall throughout the country.

JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCH (JFM) 2014

OUTLOOK NORMAL

Figure 8: January – February – March 2014 Rainfall Forecast

Zone I: Higher likelihood of Above to Normal Rainfall. Zone II & III: Higher likelihood of Normal to Below-Normal Rainfall.

Source: Meteorological Services of Namibia

8 4. FOOD SECURITY SITUATION

Following a very poor agricultural production caused by severe drought conditions last season, household food security situation is seemingly fragile in the regions. Most households interviewed have indicated that, their last season’s poor harvest only lasted between July and August this year. These household are currently dependent on the market purchases and government drought relief foods for food access. Some households could not harvest anything from their crop fields, because according to them the drought conditions were too severe this year.

The household food security situation in the North East (Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi regions) is tightening as most households interviewed in all the constituencies, with exception of Katima Urban, have indicated that they have depleted their last season harvest last July. Majority of households are said to be dependent on the market and drought relief foods for food access.

Food security situation in the north central regions (Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena and Omusati) was noted to be weakening as most households interviewed have indicated that they have depleted their last season’s harvest and are currently making use of the market and government drought relief foods for food access.

Meanwhile, further interventions aimed at circumventing food insecurity were made, namely supplementary feeding and Cash Transfer intervention and are currently being implemented in various regions in the country.

 Food distribution

Government has embarked upon food distribution program to the needy people who were affected by drought conditions. This program has started from the beginning of August 2013 up to end of March 2014.

 Supplementary feeding

This is a targeted feeding response program currently implemented by the Council of Churches in Namibia (CCN) and Namibia Red-cross Society (NRCS). This program, also called Soup Kitchen, provides hot meals to the most vulnerable people in all the regions countrywide. The targeted vulnerable groups included malnourished children, Orphan and Vulnerable children (OVC), the elderly, chronically ill and people living with HIV/AIDS who are on ARV treatment. Government is allocating food items to both CCN and NRCS for Soup Kitchen Program.

 Cash transfers

This program is targeting the highly food insecure people living in locations with access to resilient market and who were not otherwise benefiting from regular food distributions. It is being implemented by ACT Alliance-LWF and is currently being implemented in Hardap, Kunene, Omusati and Kavango East regions.

In addition, social protection measures from the government remained in place and this include:

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

9  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 needs and services, thus improve their living standard  War Veteran Grant: This is a monthly grant given by the government to people who were accorded a war veteran status. The grant is aimed at enabling the beneficiary to access basic needs and services.

10 5. PASTURE AND LIVESTOCK CONDITIONS

Pasture Condition

Pasture conditions from various parts of the regions is said to have deteriorated greatly during the course of the dry season and has since vary between fair to very poor. Many farmers are reported to have lost some of their livestock to drought which according to them was very severe this year. Moreover, the regions noted a slight delay in the start of the rain season, which is expected to bring a much needed relief not only to the improvement of the grazing areas, but also to perk up water availability, particularly for livestock. Nevertheless, the most likely scenario is that, grazing conditions are expected to improve as most parts of the regions are reported to have received some good showers lately.

In the Zambezi region, grazing conditions are reported to be fair to poor in the eastern part of the region (i.e. Kabbe North and Kabbe South as well as Katima Rural constituencies as well as areas along the river in the Linyanti and Lyaboloma constituencies), due to higher concentration of animals and range between fair to good elsewhere in the region. In the Kavango East and Kavango West regions, grazing conditions were reported to be poor to very poor in areas along the river while elsewhere in the region the situation is said to be fair to good except some areas that suffered veld fires. Poor grazing conditions were reported in the north central regions with all the four north central regions equally affected. However, the situation was reported to be very serious in the cattle post areas, particularly in Uuvudhiya constituency in Oshana region where many farmers from Omusati, Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Oshana regions moved their livestock for what it was known as better grazing conditions and now poor due to overgrazing.

Furthermore, water shortages for livestock were reported in the four north central regions, particularly in the cattle post areas. According to some interviewed farmers, availability of enough water keeps livestock in good body condition even if there are no enough grazing materials available

Livestock Condition

Livestock are reported to be in fair to very poor conditions in most parts of the north central regions where some farmers are reported to have lost some of their cattle due to drought conditions. Livestock conditions in the four northern regions are reported to range between poor (in areas around the township) and fair to good in areas around the cattle posts. In the Zambezi, Kavango East and Kavango West regions, conditions of the livestock are said to range between fair to poor in the Eastern part of Zambezi region and areas along the river in Kavango East and Kavango West regions, while elsewhere in these regions, livestock conditions are said to range between fair to good.

With regards to livestock health, no major livestock disease outbreaks were reported in the regions at the time of this assessment. However, suspected cases of Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) were reported in the Zambezi region, in Katima rural constituency in particular, Masikili, Kabbe, Ivilivinzi and Salambala villages, during June this year. Furthermore, it was reported that Kavango West region experienced unusual number of cases of Black quarter during August/September this year, in Mpungu and Kahenge constituencies in the Kavango West region. Although this region usually experiences the problem of Black quarter every year, this year according to the regional Directorate of Veterinary Services, the situation was more severe when compared with previous years. Additionally, farmers especially in the north central regions indicated that their livestock are dying of hunger. Many farmers are reported to have lost some of their livestock due to drought. Furthermore, drought related conditions were also reported and this included; Dystocia, Retained placenta and virginal prolapsed.

11 6. CROP PRODUCTION OUTLOOK FOR 2013/2014 CROP SEASON

Progress on Land Preparation

As it was the case last season, the 2013/2014 cropping season noted a slight delay in the start of the rainfall season. The normal start of the rain season is usually as from mid October. However, at the time of this assessment in November, all the regions have not yet received sufficient rainfall, enough to trigger cultivation activities. Ploughing and planting activities have not yet started, except river field farmers in the Zambezi region. Most parts of the regions were still dry and farmers were in full swing with repairing their fences, kraal manure applications and clearing their crop fields for cultivations.

However, by the end of this assessment and early December, most regions are reported to have received good showers, enough to trigger cultivation activities. Provisional rainfall outlook for the 2013/2014 rain season according to Meteorological Services of Namibia indicated that the greater part of Namibia can expect to receive normal to above normal rainfalls during the first part of the season (October- November-December).

Availability and Access to Agricultural Inputs

In the Zambezi region, basic input such as seeds and fertilizers were available and enough to start the season. The region received 23.5 tons of maize seeds for distribution to farmers as free seeds. At the time of the assessment, the region reported that about 10 tons of hybrid maize seeds were distributed to the river field crop farmers and the remaining 13.5 tons are yet to be distributed to upper land crop field farmers. In addition, the region indicated that more seed stocks for both maize, pearl millet and sorghum is still being expected and will be sold to farmers under the government dry land crop production subsidy program. The region has also indicated that they have limited carry over stock of fertilizers from last season which is currently being sold to the farmers while waiting for the new stock to arrive. Furthermore, there are currently five improved seed suppliers of which four are supplying maize seed varieties and one is only supplying pearl millet and sorghum seed varieties. This included; Kafasepco, Kamunu, Likwama and Caprivi Business Consultants for maize seeds and Northern Namibia Seed Growers Cooperative for pearl millet and sorghum seeds.

In the Kavango East and Kavango West regions as well as the north central regions, both subsidy and free seeds for pearl millet and sorghum have not yet arrived in the regions at the time of this assessment. It was reported that the Seed Cooperative in the Omusati region had completed packing the seeds and were still waiting for the directive from the Directorate of Research and Training on the distribution modality. The demand of improved seeds from the farmers is very high due to a poor harvest received last season. According to farmers interviewed in these regions, most of them indicated that they were unable to retain some local seed varieties for both cereal and non-cereal crops, due to severe drought conditions which have dominated the season. In addition, the Northern Namibia Seed Growers Cooperative at Mahenene in Omusati region has indicated that they do not have enough seeds stock available this season, because seed growers were equally affected by drought conditions last season. With regards to the availability of fertilizers, most regions have indicated that they have a limited carryover stock of fertilizers from last season which they are currently being distributed to Agricultural Development Centers (ADC) for farmer’s easy access.

12 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 in the northern communal crop producing regions which allows farmers to buy seeds and fertilizers (NPK, MAP and NH4SO4) at 50% subsidy for seeds and 60% subsidy for fertilizers, 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. The fertilizers subsidised prices for a 50kg bag is N$120 for MAP, N$83 NH4SO4, N$127 for NPK, N$114 LAN and N$140 Urea fertilizers.

Ploughing services subsidy

This program allows farmers to afford ploughing services from the private tractors or draught animals by giving them a subsidy of N$200 per hectare ploughed, but limited to three hectares per farming household.

Weeding services subsidy

This is another subsidy given to farmers during the weeding activities. An amount of N$200 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.

Government tractor services

The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry has reintroduce government tractors to the northern communal crop producing regions. These tractors are equipped with implements such as ripper, planter and fertilizers application machine. Below is a summary of tractors in the regions.

Region Number of Area of delivery tractors Zambezi 12 All ADCs Kavango East & West 12 All ADCs Ohangwena 14 All ADCs and 2 to supplement areas of high demand Oshikoto 12 All ADCs and 3 to supplement areas of high demand Oshana 11 All ADCs and 1 to supplement areas of high demand

13 Omusati 10 All ADCs except Ogongo & Okahao where many private tractors exist Kunene North 4 Okangwati ADC and Otjisokotjongava ADCs Total 75

Farmers are also required to register for the government tractors and pay an amount of N$300 per hectare for a combination of planting and fertilizing or ripping and planting. Moreover, if a farmer would only want planting service alone, then she/he has to pay an amount of N$150 per hectare.

In addition, government is also providing free seeds to all the dry land crop producing regions for pearl millet and maize with coverage of up to two hectares per household.

7. SITUATION BY REGION Zambezi Region 14 The basic input availability in the region is generally satisfactory to kick start the season. The region received 23.5 tons of maize seeds for distribution to farmers as free seeds. At the time of the assessment, the region reported that about 10 tons of hybrid maize seeds were distributed to the river field crop farmers and the remaining 13.5 tons are yet to be distributed to upper land crop field farmers. In addition, the region indicated that more seed stocks for both maize, pearl millet and sorghum is still being expected and will be sold to farmers under the government dry land crop production subsidy program. There are currently five improved seed suppliers of which four are supplying maize seed varieties and one is only supplying pearl millet and sorghum seed varieties. This included; Kafasepco, Kamunu, Likwama and Caprivi Business Consultants for maize seeds and Northern Namibia Seed Growers Cooperative for pearl millet and sorghum seeds. While others already have maize seed varieties in stock ready to be sold to the farmers. The region has also indicated that they have limited carry over stock of fertilizers from last season which is currently being sold to the farmers and is still waiting for the new stock to arrive. Progresses on the land preparation, ploughing as well as planting of maize in the river crop fields have been completed with good germinations observed and at the time of the assessment crop stage have reached knee height. Elsewhere in the region, farmers are busy clearing their land and mending fences waiting for productive rains for them to start their field cultivations

Regarding the tractors services, the region has 12 tractors fully equipped with the necessary implements. At the time of the assessment, nine of the 12 tractors have been serviced and ready for use, while the remaining three tractors are yet to be serviced before being sent to various constituencies for ploughing services. Private tractor owners are also expected to participate in the ploughing subsidy services this season. On the household food security, the situation is said to have weakened since July when most households have depleted their little harvest from last season. Majority of households are said to be dependent on the market and drought relief foods for food access. With regards to livestock health, suspected cases of Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) were reported in Katima rural constituency in particular, Masikili, Kabbe, Ivilivinzi and Salambala villages. The regional Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) reported that, tests were made and some livestock tested positive. Some samples were sent to South Africa for further diagnosis and at the time of the assessment, the results have not yet been received. Moreover, DVS had enforced a ban on slaughtering of livestock which has subsequently resulted in the closure of the Meat-co abattoir. Moreover, restrictions measures on the livestock movements have also been enforced. At the time of the assessment, the ban on slaughtering of livestock was still enforced and restriction of livestock movements has been lifted in the western part of the region. Cases of tick infestations were also reported throughout the region, but according to farmers and the DVS, the extent of the infestation is much better compared to the past seasons. Other livestock related cases reported included sporadic cases of Black quarter, Dystocia as well as prolapsed of the Uterus.

Constituencies

Katima Urban: Most part of this constituency is managed to plough and plant their crop fields a town and residential area. With the exception with available soil moisture and the river level of few home gardening and irrigation projects recede back and their maize was seen to be at exist in this area, no farming activities other than knee height. These farmers received free maize these are taking place. Hence it is irrelevant from seeds from the government and are thankful of the assessment team to report on agricultural the government for such assistance. Furthermore, activities in this area. many farmers’ especially upland crop farmers were in a process to register for the government Kabbe North and Kabbe South subsidy scheme such as improved seeds and Constituencies: Due to poor harvest received ploughing and fertilizers subsidy services. Last last season, majority of farmers were unable to season, most farmers were unable to retain reserve sufficient good quality seeds for this enough good quality seeds due to severe dry season. Nevertheless, many farmers received free conditions that dominated the season. drought relief maize seeds from the government, especially those with crop fields along the river. With regards to household food security, most At the time of this assessment, the constituency households are reported to have depleted their has not yet received productive rainfall and the harvest last July and are currently dependent on upland farmers were still clearing their crop the market and drought relief foods for food fields, waiting for productive rainfall for them to access. On the livestock health, no major begin cultivations. Furthermore, the assessment livestock disease outbreaks were reported at the team was informed that, arrangements to avail time of this assessment. However, suspected more subsidy and free seeds in the area were cases of Food and Mouth Disease (FMD) were almost finalized and farmers can expect the reported in Masikili, Kabbe, and Ivilivinzi and arrival of seeds very soon. Salambala villages. This has lead to enforcement of a ban on slaughtering of livestock by the DVS which has subsequently resulted in the closure of With regards to tractors services, it was reported the Meat-co abattoir. Moreover, restrictions that there are few private tractors available in measures on the livestock movements have also this area and according to farmers most tractors been enforced. Furthermore, cases of tick’s are taken to the lake area where field sizes are infestation are still being reported in the area but relatively big and free form the stamps. the magnitude of the infestation is said to be Nevertheless, the entire ADC in this much lower and better than previous seasons. constituency is expecting the government tractor Furthermore, Pasture is poor in the low laying once productive rainfall has been received. On areas due to high concentrations of animals, but the household food security, the situation is expected to improve once good showers have reported to be weakening as most households are being received. reported to have depleted their harvests and are now dependent on the market and government Kongola Constituency: At the time of this drought relief seeds for food access. On livestock assessment, ploughing and or planting activities health, no major livestock diseases were reported have not yet started since no productive rainfall at the time of this assessment except, suspected received. Most farmers were busy clearing as cases of FMD in Kabbe area in June and the well as fencing their crop fields which they DVS has already taken some precautionary started during September/October. In the eastern measures in order to contain the disease. part of the constituency, around Kongola area, However, pasture is reported to be poor in the most farmers prefer to use improved seeds and west due to high concentration of animals and majority of them have already registered in order good in the eastern part of the constituency to purchase subsidized seeds. Furthermore, farmers indicated that, availability of seeds from Katima Rural Constituency: At the time of the the previous season at household level is very assessment, no rainfall received yet and most limited because of drought experienced last farmers were still clearing their crop fields and season. On the western part of the constituency, waiting for productive rain for them to kick start Omega III area, majority of farmers are San with cultivation. However, river field farmers

people and they are usually provided with free livestock’s health, no major livestock disease seeds which according to them has not yet outbreaks were reported at the time of the arrived at their local Agricultural Development assessment. However, suspected cases of Centre. Farmers further indicated that, they could Anthrax were reported since August this year in not obtain any harvest last season due to drought Lubuta and Sachona areas, where the affected as well as destruction by wild animals, hence no farmers are reported to have lost cattle due to this seeds available at household level. Most farmers problem. Pasture condition was reported to be in in the Omega III area don’t use fertilizers due to good condition while livestock on the other hand affordability and kraal manure is scare as there is said to be in fair condition. are very few livestock kept in the area.

Draught animals especially donkeys are fit to be Sibinda Constituency: According to the used for ploughing services and according to Agricultural Extension officials responsible for farmers, there in only one government tractor this area, majority of farmers have registered to known to be operating in the area which due to participate in the government subsidy services. the high demand cannot cover everyone At the time of the assessment, no significant especially those in the farthest areas. On rainfall received to trigger cultivation activities household food security, the situation is and most farmers were busy with clearing their tightening since most households are reported to crop fields and waiting for the productive season have finished their last season’s harvest and are to start cultivation. Furthermore, the Agricultural now dependent on the market and government Extension Offices (ADC) is in a process of drought relief foods for food access. The San inviting seed suppliers at certain designated people are currently relying on their special food places to enable farmers to have easy access to program as well as collecting wild fruits. seeds. Majority of farmers have registered for various government subsidy services since Linyanti and Lyaboloma Constituencies: October this year. Mmajority of farmers were able to register for the government subsidy services the Ministry is The ADCs has reported that livestock are in offering. According to the Agricultural good conditions and draught animals in Extension Technicians responsible for this area, particular are fit and readily available for registration for farmers who want to participate ploughing services. Furthermore, the government in the seed, fertilizers and ploughing subsidy tractor assigned to this ADC is also reported to scheme has already been completed. Most be available and ready for ploughing services. farmers interviewed indicated that, they were There is only one private tractor known to be unable to retain sufficient good quality seeds operating in the area which according to farmers from the previous harvest, due to drought was still out of order since last season. experienced last season. Government tractors Additionally, one weeding group registered in assigned to this constituency are said to be ready the area of Sibinda is expected to partake in the for ploughing services and private tractor owners weeding subsidy services this season. Several have also registered to participate in the farmers managed to sell their cattle through government ploughing subsidy services. Meat-co abattoir before the ban on livestock marketing was enforced. No major livestock diseases were reported at the time of the With the exception of crop fields along the river, assessment. With regards to household food ploughing activities have not yet started since the security, most households are reported to have area have not received sufficient rainfall and depleted their harvest and are currently farmers are eagerly waiting for the rain to start dependent on the market and government which according to them is delayed. With drought relief foods for food access. regards to household food security, farmers have indicated that their last season’s harvest got finished in July this year and are currently dependent on the market and government drought relief foods for food access. On the

Kavango East and Kavango West Regions The region reported a slight delay in the delivery of basic inputs such as improved seeds and fertilizers. At the time of the assessment, the regions were still awaiting for the arrival of free and subsidy seeds as well as fertilizers. However, it was reported that, there is a small carryover stock of fertilizers from last season which according to the region was not enough to start the season. Majority of farmers interviewed reported that, due to drought experienced last season, they were unable to retain good quality and sufficient seeds and are counting on the government for seed supply. On the weeding subsidy service, the region expressed a concern that many weeding groups were not paid last season for their weeding service rendered due to insufficient budgetary provision to this service. According to the Chief Agricultural Scientific Officer, budgetary provision for this subsidy services was overstretched and could not cover all the weeding groups that have participated in the subsidy services. The region is therefore requesting for additional resources to this activity in order to pay the weeding groups which could not be paid last season. On the livestock health, the region reported that unusual number of cases of Black quarter was reported in Mpungu and Kahenge constituencies in the Kavango West region. Although the regions usually experience the problem of Black quarter during the dry season, this season according to the regional Directorate of Veterinary Services, the situation was more severe than previous season. In an effort to put the situation under control, government through the DVS has intervened by launching vaccination campaign in October and the situation has since normalized. Grazing is reported to be poor in areas along the river due to high concentration of livestock from the inland for water supply and fair to good in the inland areas. It was also reported that cattle are getting stuck in the mud on the river bank since their body condition is weak and could not pull out of the mud hence they died there. This situation is said to be more severe in Kamutjonga village in Mukwe constituency of the Kavango East region and Karangama and Ruwone villages in the Mpungu constituency of the Kavango West region. With regards to household food security, majority of household are dependent on the market and government drought relief foods for food supply. Farmers had very poor harvest last season because of drought which affected both crop and grazing establishment.

Constituencies

Kahenge Constituency: According to farmers and planting activities have started following due to a very poor harvest received last season, some good showers received. What was apparent seeds obtained from the previous season were was, majority of farmers are busy clearing their very limited and insufficient for this season. In crop fields and readying them for cultivation. addition, at the time of the assessment the ADCs were still waiting for seeds and fertilizers Pasture condition was reported to be poor consignments to arrive. Moreover villages such especially areas along the river and better to as Murayi and the surrounding areas, ploughing good in the inland. Water availability for

livestock is reported to be okay since most of the their crop field for ploughing. However, due to farmers make use of the river to supply water to poor harvest experienced last season, indicated their livestock. Livestock diseases reported that they were unable to obtain and retain included Black quarter and Botulism since June sufficient good quality seeds at harvest. Farmers this year, but the situation is reported to have are therefore reportedly making a regular visit to been brought under control, following their local Agricultural Development Centre vaccination campaigns by the DVS. However, (ADC) in search of the improved seeds. At the some farmers especially in Tondoro village are time of the assessment, both seeds and fertilizers still reporting cases of Botulism. The household have not yet been received at the ADC. food security was reported to have weakened, as most household depleted their last season’s Most farmers in this area make use of draught harvest and are now dependent on the market animals mainly oxen to plough their crop fields. and government drought relief foods for food Private tractors are hardly operating in this area. access. Nevertheless, the government tractors assigned to this constituency is said to be ready for Kapako Constituency: Majority of farmers in ploughing services. However, the challenges this area were unable to retain sufficient good remains that some crop fields are still not quality seeds this year, following poor harvest accessible by tractor due to stamps. With regards due to poor rainfall performance last season. At to livestock health, Black quarter disease was a the time of the assessment, this area has not yet major problem in cattle since June this year and received their inputs such as seeds and fertilizers. many farmers are reported to have lost their Furthermore, productive rainfall has not yet been cattle to this disease. At the time of the received and most farmers were busy clearing assessment, the situation is said to have their crop fields for cultivations. Most farmers in improved, followed a massive vaccination this area use draught animals to cultivate their operation by the Directorate of Veterinary crop fields. At the time of the assessment, Services. Other cases reported included Botulism draught animals were reported to be in fair which according to the Agricultural Extension condition and are somehow fit to be used for official responsible for this area is now under ploughing. Ploughing equipments such as hand control. Grazing condition is reported to have hoes, mould board ploughs and other basic started deteriorating and some farmers are implements are in place and most farmers are reported to have started losing their livestock due just waiting for the productive rainfall for them to drought. Veld fires were also reported and to start with their field cultivation. according to farmers have contributed negatively to poor grazing condition. No livestock diseases Pastures is said to be in good condition in the outbreaks were reported at the time of the inland with exception of areas which suffered assessment. On the household food security, veld fire and poor in areas along the river, due to most household interviewed have indicated that, high concentration of livestock in that area. With their food stock from last season’s poor harvest regards to livestock health, most parts of this have been depleted and are currently dependent area reported Black quarter disease in cattle on the market and government food relief foods between June and September this year. However, for food access. at the time of this assessment, the situation is reported to have normalised, following Mukwe Constituency: Although, most farmers vaccination operation by the DVS. With regards were unable to retain enough seeds from last to household food security, the situation is season’s poor harvest, preparations for the new tightening as most households are reported to season were in full swing at the time of this have depleted their food stock from last season’s assessment. Most interviewed farmers indicated poor harvest and are now dependent on the that, they are looking forward to purchase seeds market and government drought relief foods for from their local ADC, which at the time of the food access. assessment were not yet available. Registration of farmers in the government Dry Land Crop Mpungu Constituency: Some villages such as production subsidy program was underway. Sikumba, Likorerela and the surrounding However, it was reported that there is a high villages have started ploughing and planting their demand of these subsidy services and most crop fields, following some good showers farmers indicated that they hardly access some of received. Majority of farmers were still preparing the subsidy services such as government tractor

which is not sufficient for the entire despite the subsidy in place. Majority of farmers Constituency. Moreover, there is one private used draught animal power to plough their crop tractor in the constituency which is said to be fields and at the time of this assessment, draught expensive. animals are said to be weak due to poor grazing conditions in the area. Nevertheless, there are Many farmers uses draught to cultivate their crop some private tractors known to be operating in fields and are reported to be in fair to good this area, just as addition to the government condition especially in the inland, while along tractor. the River, the condition range from fair to poor. Furthermore, the general livestock condition follows the same pattern. Marketing of On the livestock health, no major livestock agricultural produce especially pearl millet could diseases reported at the time of the assessment. not materialize this year due to poor harvest Pasture is said to be poor in areas along the river obtained last season. On the household food and fair to good in the inland. Water for security, the situation is reported to be livestock is also reported to be okay. Regarding weakening as majority of farmers are said to the household food security, the situation is said have depleted their last season’s harvest and are to be tightening as majority of households currently relying on the market and drought indicated that, their food stock from last season’s relief foods for food access. harvest got finished in June. Under the circumstance, most households are currently Ndiyona Constituency: Majority of farmers in dependent on the market and government this area are reported to be in need of seeds, drought relief foods for food access. following poor harvest last season. Farmers are reportedly making regular visits at the ADC in Rundu Rural West Constituency: At the time search for seeds, which at the time of the of the assessment, various parts of this assessment were still not yet available. Draught constituency are still dry and have not received animal power is commonly used in this area for productive rainfall yet. Most farmers were busy ploughing service, but they are said to be weak clearing their crop fields for cultivations. and not really fit for ploughing services. However, due to poor harvest last season, Livestock conditions range from fair to poor and majority of farmers were unable to obtain this applies to draught animal as well. This enough good quality seeds. Farmers are therefore follows the poor pasture condition in the area. reportedly making regular visits to the ADC in The use of tractors for ploughing service is very search for seed, which at the time of the limited, most farmers are still struggling with assessment have not yet arrived in the area. removing stumps from their crop fields and most According to the agricultural extension official of them feel that it is a lot of work for them. responsible for this area many farmers have been visiting the ADC in search for seeds as well as On the household food security, most households government subsidy services. Private tractors are indicated that they have already depleted their very scarce on this side, but there are few which harvested stock from last season and are mainly are expected to partake in the government dependent on the market and drought relief foods ploughing subsidy services. Moreover, this for food access. No major livestock diseases government tractor for this area is also expected were reported at the time of the assessment. to resume ploughing services once enough rainfall has been received. Most farmers in this Rundu Rural East Constituency: Most farmers area use draught animal power to cultivate their in this area are reportedly in need of both cereal crop fields. At the time of the assessment, and non-cereal seeds, following poor harvest last conditions of draught animals were reported to season. Farmers are reported to be making be fair to good and are mostly fit to pull the regular visit at the ADC in search for seeds, ploughs. which at the time of this assessment were not yet available at the ADC and the region as a whole. With regards to weeding services, majority of Meanwhile farmers have started to register farmers use mostly family members for labor and mainly for improved seeds and tractor subsidy some do also use hired labor especially for services. It was reported that, demand for weeding services. With regards to household fertilizers is still low in this area and many food security, the situation is said to be farmers claimed that fertilizer prices are still high weakening as many households interviewed

indicated that they have depleted their last the household food security, the situation is said season’s harvest and are now dependent on the to be tightening as majority of farmers are market and drought relief foods for food supply. reported to have depleted their food stock from last season’s poor harvest and are now dependent on the market and government drought relief Mashare Constituency: Majority of farmers is foods for food access. On livestock health, no concerned with the scarcity of seeds this season major livestock diseases were reported at the as a result of the poor harvest of last season and time of this assessment. However farmers they were desperately in need of seeds. However, reported that they have lost some of their farmers indicated that they will buy seeds at the livestock due to drought related conditions. ADC or Open market in Rundu. Furthermore, Finally, the pasture is poor along the riverside the demand for fertilizers is not high since there due to overgrazing, however in the inland the are only few farmers who buy fertilizers and pasture was described as fair by farmers but veld kraal manure is rarely used in this area. Majority fires were also a concern which aggravated the of farmers described the condition of their situation. draught animal as very poor and unfit for ploughing services. Furthermore, livestock in general are lean due to hunger resulting from the looming drought and poor grazing. On ploughing services, the demand for GRN tractors is high, given the fact that draught animal power is also currently weak. At the time of the assessment, farmers were busy registering for GRN subsidy services services.

On ploughing implements, farmers indicated that the necessary implements are in place, but some share ploughs with those who don’t own one. On labour matters, majority of farmers make use of family members as well as hired labor which is reported to be readily available. However, there are also weeding groups available but their services are limited as these groups are not easily accessible. On the marketing aspect, it was reported that, most farmers could not sell their produce due to the poor harvest last season. On

Omusati region At the time of the assessment, the region was still awaiting for the delivery for both subsidy and free seed consignments. Despite the fact that, pearl millet and non- cereal seeds are in short supply this season because of the devastating drought which rampaged agricultural production in the country last season, majority of farmers are looking forward to the government to supply them with seeds. According to farmers, last season poor harvest did not allowed them to retain sufficient good quality seeds hence; there is a strong need for seeds supply. Also while still waiting for fertilizers stock to arrive, the region had a limited carryover stock of Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) which has already been distributed to various ADC for farmer’s easy access. Furthermore, the region reported that, due to drought last season, most drought animals such as oxen and donkeys are not particularly fit for ploughing services. Nevertheless, government as well as private tractors are reported to be ready to render the ploughing services to the farmers. It was further reported that, registration for ploughing subsidy services was still ongoing and may farmers have registered for ploughing and other subsidy services. At the time of the assessment, most farmers have not yet started ploughing or planting their crops fields since no significant rainfall was received. Pasture condition was reported to be very poor in most constituencies, but better in areas of Amarika and Uutsathima villages in Okahao constituency, with limited water availability for livestock. Many farmers are reported to have lost their livestock due to drought this year. No livestock diseases were reported at the time of this assessment. 21With regards to household food security, the situation is said to have weakened as majority of households are reported to have depleted their little food stock from last season’s harvest and are now dependent on the market and government drought relief foods for food supply.

Constituencies Anamulenge Constituency: At the time of the market and drought relief foods for food access. assessment, no significant rainfall received yet Most households interviewed have indicated that, and most parts of the constituency is still dry. prices for maize flour is higher as compared to What was apparent is that many farmers were in the same corresponding period last season. a full swing to prepare their crop fields for Grazing condition was reported to be poor and cultivation. With regards to inputs availability at livestock body condition range between fair and household level, most farmers have indicated very poor. On the livestock health, no major that, they were unable to obtain good quality livestock diseases were reported in the area at the seeds due to poor harvest last season. Farmers in time of the assessment. However, cases of this area use both draught animals and tractors to internal parasites in goats were widely reported cultivate their crop fields. Private tractors are in the constituency. Furthermore, many farmers also available in the area and many farmers are are reported to have lost some of their livestock making use of them to plough their crop fields. to drought. Moreover, the constituency is expecting the government tractor assigned to this area to Elim Constituency: Majority of farmers in this resume its duties, once sufficient rainfall is area are reportedly in need of cereal and non- obtained. cereal seeds following the poor harvest experienced last season. Farmers are said to be making regular visits at the ADC in search for With regards to household food security, most seed which was not available at the time of the families are reported to have depleted their last assessment. Nonetheless, farmers said that they season’s harvest and are now dependent on the are getting ready for the season as most of them

indicated that their crop fields are already cleared cases such as vaginal prolapse, retained placenta, and some busy dispensing manure. However, all Dystocia and so forth were widely reported in interviewed farmers shared their concern with the area. the animal draught power that is described to be in a very poor condition following poor pasture Ogongo Constituency: Most farmers were busy availability in the constituency. Furthermore, clearing their crop fields and repairing their most donkeys are reportedly dying of internal ploughing implements. At the time of the parasites which might result in shortage of assessment, the ADC was still awaiting for both draught animal power at the onset of the season. subsidy and free seeds. It was further reported that, the ADC had some carryover stock of Following the poor production in the previous fertilizers from the previous season and had year, none of the interviewed farmers have started selling them to farmers, while waiting for managed to sell their mahangu. Moreover, a new stock to arrive. The availability of local household food security is reported to be seed varieties at household level is very limited weakening as majority of the households are said this season, following poor harvest last season. to have depleted their last season’s harvest and Most interviewed farmers indicated that they now dependent on the market and government were unable to retain good quality because of drought relief foods for food access. On the severe drought conditions experienced last livestock situation, the body condition is season. With regards to private tractors several generally poor and some livestock, particularly private tractors are known to be operating in the cattle and donkeys are reported to have area and expected to partake in the government succumbed to the current prevailing serious ploughing subsidy program. Moreover, drought situation. government tractor assigned to this area is said to be on standby and waiting for productive rainfall Etayi Constituency: The majority of farmers for it to start ploughing service. Most farmers in were unable to retain seeds from last season’s this area use draught animal, mainly donkeys to harvest, following drought conditions which cultivate their crop fields. However, these dominated the season. Many farmers are animals were reported to be weak and unfit for reportedly making regular visits at the ADC in draught power. search for seeds which at the time of the assessment were not yet available in the area. It On the household food security, the situation is was further reported that there is a carryover reported to be weakening as most households are stock of fertilizers from last season which is reported to have depleted their last season’s currently being sold to farmers, while waiting for harvest and are now dependent on the market a new stock to arrive. Majority of farmers use and government drought relief foods for food kraal manure to fertilizes their crop fields. access. Livestock body condition is reported to Draught animals are commonly used here to be poor and some farmers are reported to have cultivate crop fields which at the time of the lost some of their livestock to drought. No major assessment were weak and not fit for ploughing livestock diseases reported at the time of this services. Some farmers are reported to have lost assessment. some of their livestock, including draught animals to the current drought conditions. Nevertheless, private tractors are also available Okahao Constituency: Majority of farmers in in this area as well as government tractor which this area are reported to be in need of cereal and is said to be on standby, waiting for productive non-cereal seeds, following poor harvest last rainfall for it to start ploughing services. season. At the time of this assessment, both subsidy and free seeds have not yet been Regarding marketing of mahangu grains, farmers received and farmers are reportedly making indicated that they did not sell any produce regular visits at the ADC in search for seeds. It because of the poor harvest received last season. was further reported that, while waiting for new On the household food security, majority of the stock of fertilizers to arrive, there is a carryover households has no food as they are mainly stock of fertilizers from last season and many depending on drought relief food as well as the farmers have already started buying them in market for food access. With regards to livestock order to fertilize their crop fields. At the time of health, no livestock diseases were reported at the the assessment, the constituency was still dry and time of this assessment. However drought related ploughing or planting have not yet started.

Additionally, farmers indicated that they are and are now dependent on the market and ready for the new season, while some were still government drought relief foods for food access. busy dispensing kraal manure in their crop field. About nine private tractors have already Oshikuku Constituency: At the time of the registered to participate in the ploughing subsidy assessment, most parts of this area were still dry and according to the Agricultural Technicians at and farmers were still waiting for productive the center, more tractors are still being expected rains to kick start cultivations. Farmers have to join the scheme following the Project of the already concluded crop field clearance and War Veteran of the Liberation struggle who implements preparations as well as manure many of them have acquired tractors. application. Most farmers in this area use draught animals to cultivate their crop fields. At On the livestock issue, farmers reported that they the time of this assessment draught animals are currently losing their livestock due to the according to farmers are in poor condition and prevailing drought situation in the area. Pasture unfit to be used for ploughing. However, private condition is very poor, but fair to good in cattle tractors are many in this area and expected to post areas, but no water. Furthermore, cases of participate in the government ploughing subsidy internal parasite in all livestock, mange’s in scheme. Improved seeds and new stock of goats and Dystocia among cattle have been fertilizers have not yet arrived at the ADC by the reported in different areas. Regarding household time of this assessment. Moreover, government food security, the situation is said to be tractor assigned to this constituency is expected weakening as most households are said to have to resume its ploughing services once productive depleted their little harvest from last season and rainfall is received. are now dependent on the market and government drought relief foods for food access. With regards to marketing of pearl millet grains, farmers indicated that, they did not produced Onesi Constituency: The two ADCs in this surplus, hence no sales have taken place. On the constituency are still waiting for improved seeds household food security, most households have and fertilizers consignments to arrive when the indicated that, their last season’s harvest got assessment team visited this constituency. Most finished in July and are now dependent on the farmers in this constituency are reported to be in market and drought relief foods for food access. dying needs for seeds and are hoping to get some No major livestock diseases outbreaks were from their local ADCs. According to farmers reported at the time of the assessment. However, interviewed, last season’s harvest was extremely farmers reported that their livestock are dying poor and they were unable to retain significant due to the prevailing drought conditions in the quantity of seeds for both cereals and non-cereal area. crops. As results many farmers are reportedly making regular visits at the ADCs in search for Otamanzi Constituency: Although this area is seeds. one of the green baskets of the region, majority of farmers were unable to retain sufficient good Ploughing and planting activities have not yet quality seeds due to poor harvest experienced started and according to farmers there is a delay last season. Many farmers are reportedly making in the onset of the rain. Most farmers in this area regular visits to the ADC in search for seeds use draft animal powers especially donkeys to which at the time of the assessment were not yet cultivate their crop fields. At the time of the available. It was further reported that, services assessment farmers were complaining about the like ploughing with tractors both private and poor body condition of their livestock including government are very scarce in this area. draught animals which they attributed it to poor However, farmers continue to rely on their grazing conditions caused by drought. It was draught animals, especially donkeys for further reported that Farmers have further ploughing services which at the time of the reported that their livestock are suffering from assessment were in poor conditions and not fit internal parasites and some farmers are reported for ploughing service. In addition, some donkeys to have lost some of their donkeys to internal were reported dying of internal parasites as well parasites. With regards to household food as due to hunger in the area. Farmers further security in terms of own production, it was reported that they are losing their cattle due to reported that most households have depleted severe drought conditions which resulted in very their little food stock from last season’s harvest poor grazing conditions. Farmers are requesting

the Ministry to provide them with adequate ploughing services as one tractor in the Constituency is inadequate and always starts Ruacana Constituency: For the past two later during the season. consecutive seasons, this constituency together with Kunene region was hit by drought. Most Regarding household food security, majority of farmers did not have any significant harvests for the interviewed households indicated that, they these two seasons. Therefore, farmers were have depleted their little harvest from last season unable to obtain sufficient good quality seeds. At and are now dependent on the market and the time of the assessment, the ADC was still government drought relief foods for food access. waiting for seeds consignments for subsidy and On the livestock health, no major diseases were free seeds as well as fertilizers. Most parts of this reported except hunger and its concomitant constituency were still dry at the time of the visit conditions such as Dystocia, retained placentas, and farmers were busy clearing and readying virginal prolapse and so forth. Poor pasture their crop fields for ploughing. According to conditions were widely reported in the area and farmers, the basic ploughing equipments such as livestock body conditions is said to range from hand hoes, mould board ploughs and other basic fair to very poor with some cattle unable to wake implements are in place. up on their own, hence needed support to stand. No major livestock diseases reported at the time Outapi Constituency: Like other constituency of the assessment except hunger for livestock in the region, farmers reported that, they were due to poor grazing condition. Grazing areas are unable to retain sufficient and good quality seeds reported to be in a very poor condition and from last season’s poor harvest. Most farmers are livestock are reported to be in fair to poor therefore from now and then visit the ADC in conditions. On the household food security, most search for seeds, particularly pearl millet one. At household in this area are merely dependent on the time of this assessment, most farmers were the market and drought relief foods for food busy clearing their crop fields, repairing their access. As indicated previously, most farmers in fence and waiting for productive rainfall for this area did not have had proper harvest for the them to commence cultivation. Furthermore, past two seasons, hence their dependency on the farmers reported that draft animal are in fair to market and or government drought relief foods. poor conditions due to poor grazing and are not available for ploughing services. According to Okalongo Constituency: Farmers are reportedly farmers, since the season before (2011/2012) in need of seeds, following poor harvest last pasture could not establish properly due to poor season. Farmers are said to be visiting the ADC rainfall performance and the situation was regularly in search for seeds which at the time of exacerbated by drought conditions last season. this assessment have not yet arrived in the area. Nevertheless, enough private tractors are At the time of the assessment, no significant available (about 7 tractors) in the area of which rainfall were received and majority of farmers five of them usually participate in the were busy with clearing, manure applications, government ploughing subsidy service. de-bushing, de-stumping and mending fences for Moreover, the constituency has also one their crop fields. government tractor available to the farmers and is expected to resume ploughing activities once Majority of farmers uses draught animals to good rainfall has been received. cultivate their crop fields. However, at the time of this assessment draught animals are said to be weak and unfit for ploughing services. With regards to livestock health, generally no Nevertheless, government tractor assigned to this major livestock diseases were reported at the constituency is said to be ready for use, but just time of the assessment. However, farmers waiting for sufficient rainfall in order to start reported that they are losing their livestock ploughing services. Furthermore, significant particularly cattle and donkeys to drought. On number private tractors are also said to be the household food security, majority of available in the area and expected to partake in households reported to have finished their little the government ploughing subsidy scheme. food stock from last season’s poor harvest and are currently dependent on the market and No major livestock diseases were reported at the government drought relief foods for food supply. time of this assessment. However, farmers are

complaining about hunger for their livestock and animals are expected to be return back home for some farmers are reported to have lost some of ploughing services. their livestock to drought. With regards to household food security, the situation was The extension officials responsible for this area reported to be unsatisfactory as most households have indicated that they will collect are reported to have depleted their last season’s consignments of improved seeds and fertilizers harvest and now dependent on the market and at the regional office to the ADC for farmers’ drought relief foods for food access. easy access. However, since many farmers did not obtain sufficient seeds from their last harvest Tsandi Constituency: Most farmers and that the region received limited quantity of interviewed indicated that, they were unable to seeds this season, the demand for seeds is obtain enough good quality seeds from the reported to be higher. Pasture was also previous season due to the poor rainfall negatively affected by poor rainfall last season performance experience. At the time of the and as such, draft animals are reported to be assessment, various parts of this constituency are weak and not fit to be used for draught power. dry, characterized by poor pasture condition and With regards to livestock health, cases of internal subsequently poor to fair livestock condition. parasite especially in goats and donkeys were Farmers have further reported that, draught widely reported in the constituencies. Moreover, animals especially donkeys are currently weak farmers reported cases of Dystocia, retained and not fit to provide draught power. However, placenta as well as vaginal prolapsed. Household some farmers took their livestock at the cattle food security was reported to be satisfactory with posts for better grazing and their livestock are many household. However, according to reported to be in good condition. Draught household owner, the harvest is supplemented with market surplus for it to last longer possible take them to the next harvest.

Ohangwena Region

While the region is waiting for the arrival of the improved seeds and fertilizers consignments, it was reported that the 26region had a carryover stock of fertilizers for top dressing only and sorghum and maize seeds in stock. Majority of farmers were unable to retain enough good quality seeds last season due to drought. At the time of the assessment, the region had a carryover stock of sorghum and maize seeds which they have already dispatched to various constituencies for distribution. Since the beginning of September, farmers have registered for inputs and ploughing subsidy services with their respective ADCs. The region has further reported that, weeding groups as well as tractor owners have showed an interest to partake in the subsidy services this season. Furthermore, government tractors are also on standby and waiting for the commencement of productive rainfall before dispatched to various constituencies for ploughing services. Majority of farmers uses draft animals to cultivate their crop fields and according to them, these animals are currently weak and unfit for ploughing services due to poor grazing conditions. Many farmers are reported to have lost their livestock due to drought this year and are hoping good rains to come in order for the grazing areas to recover. With regards to livestock health, no major livestock diseases were reported at the time of the assessment. However, the major concern in the area is poor grazing and deteriorating livestock body condition because of drought. Moreover, the region has also reported drought related conditions such as vaginal prolapse, uterus prolapse as well as Dystocia in cattle. Additionally, the region reported cases of rabies in cattle and dogs and internal parasites in goats. On the household food security, the situation was reported to be critical as most households are reported to have depleted their harvest and now dependent on the market and government drought relief foods for food access.

Constituencies Eenhana Constituency: The Assessment team Furthermore, draught animals are reported to be was unable to visit this constituency due to lack weak and unfit for ploughing services. However, of transport. The vehicle used by the team which there are private tractors of which some are supposed to conduct an assessment in this area, expected to participate in the government developed a mechanical failure and was taken to ploughing subsidy services. Furthermore, the garage for repair. Therefore, the assessment government tractor assigned to this area is also team was unable to report on this constituency, reported to be on standby, just waiting for since no assessments were conducted. productive rainfall for it to start rendering ploughing services to the community. Endola Constituency: The majority of farmers in this constituency don’t have seeds and farmers On the livestock health, no major livestock indicated that they have registered for free GRN diseases were reported except hunger for seeds. Furthermore, kraal manure is used by livestock. In this regard, some farmers are some farmers and fertilizers are usually used by reported to have lost some of their livestock to farmers who can afford to buy it. Draught the current prevailing drought condition. animals were widely reported by farmers to be in Moreover, drought related conditions were poor condition and at the time of this assessment, widely reported in the area and this included draught animals were not fit to plough. On retained placenta and vaginal prolapsed. ploughing services, four private tractor owners had registered for ploughing subsidy services, Epembe Constituency: Most farmers which will be supplemented by the GRN tractor interviewed in this constituency indicated that, and the demand for tractors services for the they were unable to obtain sufficient good current season is likely to be very high given the quality seeds, owing to drought conditions poor condition of draught animals. What is more, experienced last season. At the time of the is that farmers were busy readying their crop assessment, seeds have not yet been received and fields especially, repairing fences, spreading farmers are reportedly making regular visits at kraal manure, something they started since the ADC in search for seeds. Most farmers in October. On cultivation equipments, majority of this area uses draught animals to cultivate their farmers indicated that they have ploughs and crop fields, which at the time of the assessment hand hoes ready for the cropping season. On was reported to be weak due to poor grazing labor issues, farmers make use of family condition and not available immediately for members for agricultural activities and during draught power. However, some farmers are the assessment period two weeding groups have reported to have taken their livestock to cattle been registered. posts, particularly Far East of the region and in Angola for better grazing conditions. On the marketing aspect, the majority of farmers could not sell their produce due to the poor With regards to cultivation implements, most harvest of last season. Furthermore, household farmers interviewed indicated that they have at food security is generally poor and farmers least the basic ones such as hand hoes and mould indicated that they are relying on the market and board ploughs. On the livestock health, no major drought relief foods for food access. On livestock diseases were reported at the time of livestock health, it was widely reported by the assessment. However, farmers indicated that farmers that a significant number of livestock the problem confronting their livestock is hunger. have died due to drought related cases and the Some farmers are reported to have lost some of pasture is generally poor. their livestock due to the prevailing drought conditions. Household food security was Engela Constituency: Majority of farmers are reported to be weakening as most household reported to be in need of seeds, following poor interviewed reported that, they have finished harvest last season. Farmers are however, their little harvest from last season and are now making regular visits at the ADC in search for dependent on the market and drought relief foods seeds which at the time of this assessment was for food access. not yet available in the area. The ADC reported that, there is a carryover stock of fertilizers from Okongo constituency: Like as it was the case last season which is currently being sold to last season, this constituency reported a delay in farmers, while expecting a new stock to arrive. the onset of the 2013/2014 rain season.

According to farmers, productive rainfalls have not yet been received at the time of this Omundaungilo constituency: Farmers assessment. Farmers further indicated that, they indicated that, no productive rainfall have yet were unable to obtain enough good quality seeds been received since the start of the season in due to drought conditions experienced last October up to the time of the assessment. season. Majority of farmers use draft animal Farmers further indicated that, they were unable power to cultivate their crop fields, but the to obtain enough and good quality seeds due to condition of these animals is reported to be very severe drought conditions experienced last poor and not fit for ploughing. Furthermore, season. Most farmers in this area uses the farmers indicated that, there are about two draught animal mainly oxen to cultivate their private tractors available in this area and these crop fields. At the time of the assessment, no tractors are only confined at areas around enough rainfall was received and farmers have Okongo area, while areas in the far east of the not yet started cultivation. Government tractor constituency, no tractors. Therefore farmers in according to the agricultural extension official these areas are only relying on draft animals to responsible for this area is on standby and is cultivate their crop fields. Furthermore, expected to resume the ploughing services once government tractor is reported to be on standby, enough rainfall have been received. The waiting for enough rainfall to start with agricultural extension official further reported ploughing services. Grazing was reported to be that, there is only one known private tractor in in poor conditions because of poor rainfall this constituency and participated in the performance experienced last season. government subsidy services which he said only render the subsidy service to farmers late, after With regards to livestock health, no major service those with cash first. livestock disease outbreaks were reported at the time of this assessment. However, farmers With regards to household food security, the indicated that, their livestock are dying due to situation was reported to be weakening as most drought. Drought related cases were widely households are reported to have depleted their reported in the area. This includes; Dystocia in last season’s harvest and now dependent on the cattle, vaginal prolapsed and retained placenta. market for food access. On the livestock health, Internal parasites in goats were also widely no major livestock diseases were reported at the reported in the area. On the household food time of the assessment, except hunger for security, the situation is said to be weakening at livestock due to the prevailing drought. the time of this assessment as majority of households said to have depleted their little Oshikango Constituency: Majority of farmers harvest from last season and are now dependent have reported that they don’t have seeds due to on the market and government drought relief the poor harvest last season and during the foods for food access. assessment period, some farmers were busy registering for free seeds from the government. Omulonga Constituency: The Assessment team Furthermore, farmers make use of kraal manure was unable to visit this constituency due to lack and they have indicated that fertilizers are of transport. The vehicle used by the team which usually used by farmers who can afford. The supposed to conduct an assessment in this area, condition of draught animal is generally poor developed a mechanical failure and was taken to due to drought and some are said to have died. In the garage for repair. Therefore, the assessment addition, farmers indicated that they will prefer team was unable to report on this constituency, to use tractors for ploughing given the condition since no assessments were conducted. of draught animals which. At the time of this assessment, one private tractor has been Ohangwena Constituency: The Assessment registered to participate in the government team was unable to visit this constituency due to ploughing subsidy services, which will be lack of transport. The vehicle used by the team supplemented by one GRN tractor. Furthermore, which supposed to conduct an assessment in this during the assessment period, farmers were busy area, developed a mechanical failure and was with clearing and fencing their crop fields, which taken to the garage for repair. Therefore, the they reportedly started during November. On assessment team was unable to report on this ploughing implements, farmers indicated that the constituency, since no assessments were equipments and tools used for agricultural conducted. activities are ready for the cropping season. On

labor matters, the majority of farmers makes use assessment were not yet received in the area. family members as well as hired labor for Apart from cereal seeds, farmers are also agricultural activities. requesting the government to provide them with leguminous seeds like cowpeas, Bambara nuts On the marketing aspect, the majority of farmers and groundnuts. On the fertilizer, it was reported could not sell some of their produce due to the that there is a carryover stock from last season poor harvest of the previous season. On and is currently being sold to farmers while household food security, the majority of farmers waiting for new stock to arrive. are depending on the market for food access as well as drought relief foods from the government. The registration in subsidy services was ongoing No major livestock diseases were reported apart at the time of this assessment. Several private from drought related cases which were widely tractors are known to be operating in this area reported by farmers and the pasture is very poor. and some are expected to partake in the government ploughing subsidy services. The Ondobe Constituency: The Assessment team draught animal was reported to be in poor was unable to visit this constituency due to lack condition and unfit for ploughing services. of transport. The vehicle used by the team which Pasture condition is very poor and deteriorating. supposed to conduct an assessment in this area, Moreover, livestock are equally in bad shape developed a mechanical failure and was taken to especially cows, some are unable to stand the garage for repair. Therefore, the assessment without support. Some farmers are reported to team was unable to report on this constituency, have lost some of their livestock to drought. On since no assessments were conducted. the household food security, it was reported that, the situation has worsened, since most household’s last seasons’ harvest got finished in Ongenga Constituency: Due to poor harvest July and many households are currently obtained last season, many farmers were unable dependent on the market and government to retain sufficient good quality seeds. Farmers drought relief foods for food access. are therefore looking up to the government in search for seeds, which at the time of the

Oshana Region

The region reported a slight delay on the onset of the rain. According to farmers, productive rainfalls were only received30 toward the end of November instead of the normal start in mid October which was also the case last season. At the time of the assessment, the region was still dry and farmers were still waiting for the rain. At the time of this assessment, the region was in a process of collecting first consignment of improved seeds from the Northern Namibia Farmer’s Seed Growers Cooperative which is expected to be distributed to all its constituencies. On the fertilizers availability, the region had limited carryover stock from last season which according to the regional Agricultural Extension Office is not sufficient to start the season. New stock of fertilizers for this season is expected to arrive in not too distant future. Furthermore, government tractors are ready for the ploughing services and expected to be dispatched to various constituencies, once enough rainfall is received. In addition private tractors are also expected to participate in the ploughing subsidy services this season and at the time of the assessment, registration for all the subsidy services including tractor ploughing subsidy services was still ongoing. On the household food security, the situation is said to be critical as most households are reported to have depleted their last season’s harvest and are currently dependent on the market and government drought relief foods for food access. According to the Oshana Regional Council, 60 000 bags (12.5kg) of maize supply to the region monthly is insufficient do not cover all the people who are food insecure in the region. The region made a submission to the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) requesting OPM to increase the supply and by the time of this assessment, the response thereof has not yet been received. With regards to livestock condition, the situation was described to be very awful as many farmers are reported to have lost and continue losing their livestock due to the prevailing drought conditions in the region. The situation was reported to be very serious in the cattle post areas, particularly in Uuvudhiya constituency where many farmers from Omusati, Oshikoto, and Ohangwena and Oshana regions moved their livestock for what it was known as better grazing conditions and now poor due to overgrazing.

Constituencies Okaku Constituency: Most farmers in this area cultivate their crop fields. However, at the time were unable to obtain enough good quality seeds of this assessment, it was reported that draught due to poor rainfall performance experienced last animals were in a very poor condition and as season. As a result, the demand for improved such they are not fit for ploughing services. seeds is very high this season. At the time of this Furthermore, many farmers are reported to have assessment, improved seeds have not yet arrived lost their livestock due to drought including in the area. With regards to the fertilizers, the draught animals. ADC had a carryover stock of various fertilizers compounds which they have already started With regards to household food security, the selling to farmers. The constituency is still situation is weakening as most households are waiting for more consignment of both seeds and reported to have depleted their last season’s poor fertilizers. Many farmers have started to register harvest and are now dependent on the market in the government dry land crop production and government drought relief foods for food subsidy program. Most farmers in this area make access. No major livestock disease outbreaks use of either draught animals, tractors or both to were reported at the time of the assessment.

However, farmers reported that they are losing ploughing services, the majority of farmers use their livestock due to drought. tractors and draught animals to cultivate their crop fields. Draught animals were reported to be Uukwiyu Constituency: As it is the case with weak due to serious drought condition and are other constituencies, majority of farmers in this not really fit for ploughing services. Furthermore, area were unable to retain enough good quality labor is generally available in terms of family seeds, following serious drought conditions members as well as hired labour. experienced last season. Farmers are reported to be visiting their local ADC in search for seeds, On the marketing of crop produce, majority of which at the time of this assessment have not yet farmers reported that due to the poor harvest arrive in the area. Farmers use either draught experienced last season they were unable to animals, tractors or both to cultivate their crop obtain surplus, hence they could not sell the fields. At the time of this assessment, draught produce. However, some farmers were able to animals are reported to be weak and unfit for sell some of their cattle as part of rangeland ploughing services. Farmers have further drought management measure. On the household indicated that they lost some of their livestock food security, the situation was reported to be including draught animals to drought. Private critical as majority of farmers are said to have tractors are known to be operating in this finished their last season’s harvest and are constituency and last season, two were registered currently dependent on the market and to participate in the government ploughing government drought relief foods for food access. subsidy service. Moreover, government tractor is On the livestock health, no major livestock also expected to resume its ploughing services to diseases were reported at the time of the farmers, once enough rainfall is received. assessment, except drought related conditions Weeding groups are also said to be in operational which include; retained placenta, prolapsed in the area and are expected to partake in the uterus, still birth and Dystocia. government weeding subsidy scheme this season. Okatjali Constituency: Majority of farmers With regards to food household food security, indicated that they were unable to retain the situation was reported to be flimsy as most sufficient good quality seeds due to the poor households are said to have finished their last harvest last season. Many farmers are reportedly season’s harvest and now dependent on the making regular visits at the ADC in search for market and drought relief foods for food access. seeds which at the time of the assessment were On the livestock health, cases of internal not yet available in the area. Moreover, farmers parasites in goats were reported widely in the were busy registering in the government dry land area. No major livestock diseases were reported crop production subsidy program. At the time of at the time of this assessment. However, farmers this assessment, this area have not yet received reported deaths of their livestock due to hunger. productive rainfall and farmers were almost done with clearing their crop fields for cultivation, just Okatana Constituency: Farmers in this area are waiting for sufficient rainfall for them to start said to be in need of seeds, since most of them cultivation. However, draught animals were were unable to retain seeds from last season’s reported to be in a very poor condition and not poor harvest. According to the interviewed available for ploughing services. Many farmers farmers, last season was a drought year and both are reported to have lost some of their livestock the amount of seeds obtained at household level due to drought this year. On cultivating is very low and quality thereof is poor. Farmers implements, most farmers have hand hoes and are however making regular visits to their ADC only some with own ploughs. On labour issues, in search for seeds. At the time of the assessment, majority of farmers make use of family members the first consignment of Pearl Millet and for agricultural activities and about five weeding Sorghum subsidy seeds has just arrived and are groups have been registered to take part in yet to be sold to farmers. Free seeds under the weeding subsidy services. However farmers Drought Relief Program have not yet arrived in claimed that these groups are few and not easily when the assessment team visited the accessible due to the high demand. constituency. A carryover stock of fertilizers (NPK, Urea and Ammonium Sulphate) from last season is currently available at the ADC and new On the marketing aspects, farmers indicated that, stock for this season has not yet arrived. On they could not sell some of their produce from

last season due to the poor harvest. On varieties is very high. At the time of this household food security, the majority of assessment, improved seeds have not yet been households has depleted their harvest of last received in the area and farmers are reported to season and is now relying on the market as well be visiting the ADC regularly in search for the as on drought relief foods for food access. On seeds. The extension official responsible for this livestock health, no major livestock diseases constituency has indicated that, improved seeds were reported at the time of the assessment. have not yet been received in the area. With However farmers reported livestock death which regards to fertilizers, it was reported that, the occurred due to drought related cases as ADC has a carryover stock from last season livestock are starving since the pasture is very which they have already started selling to poor. farmers, while waiting for the new consignment to arrive. Meanwhile, registration of farmers in Ompundja Constituency: Due to drought the government dry land crop production subsidy condition experienced last season, majority of program was still ongoing at the time of the farmers were unable to retain sufficient good assessment. quality seeds. At the time of the assessment, both subsidy and free seeds have not yet arrived in the Most farmers in this constituency make use of constituency. Farmers indicated that the tractors to plough their crop fields. It was constituency received little rains and as a result reported that there is a significant number of the moisture was not sufficient for ploughing. private tractors known to be operating in this Most farmers are hopeful that good rainfall will area. In addition, the constituency is assigned a come in December and they will be able to start government tractor since which is expected to ploughing. Farmers in this area use draught resume ploughing services, once enough rainfall animals, tractors and hand hoes to cultivate their have been received. On the household food crop fields. However, at the time of this security, the situation is said to be weakening as assessment, draft animals were said to be weak most households are said to have depleted their and not fit for ploughing services. Nevertheless, last season’s poor harvest and now dependent on it was reported that private tractors are many in the market and drought relief foods for food this area and farmers have indicated that they access. With regards to livestock health, cases of have easy access to them. Government tractor internal parasite particularly in goats were assigned to this constituency is also expected to widely reported in the constituency. Moreover, resume its services once productive rainfalls other cases reported are related to inadequate have been received. Most Farmers in this area nutrition and this includes Dystocia, retained use livestock manure to fertilize their crop fields. placenta and vaginal prolapsed. Livestock and pasture conditions are reported to be in poor conditions. Many farmers are reported to have Family members as well as hired labor are lost some of their livestock to the prevailing commonly used to weed crop fields. It was also drought conditions. reported that, weeding groups are expected to partake in the weeding subsidy services this Ongwediva Constituency: Farmers in this area season. On the household food security, the indicated that they were unable to obtain situation was reported to be weakening as most sufficient good quality seeds, following poor households are reported to have finished their harvest last season. At the time of the assessment, harvest last season and are now dependent on the majority of farmers are reportedly making market and drought relief foods for food access. regular visit at the ADC in search for seed, but to On the livestock health, no major livestock no avail. However, according to the Agricultural diseases were reported at the time of the Extension Official responsible for this area, assessment. However, farmers reported that they subsidy seeds had just arrived in the region are losing their livestock to drought, especially recently and they are yet to collect their share cattle and donkeys. very soon for farmer’s easy access. Free seeds were also still being awaited and will be Ondangwa Constituency: Most farmers in this distributed to farmers for free once it has arrived constituency indicated that they were unable to in the area. Farmers in this area use draught retain seeds due to serious drought conditions animal powers, tractors and hand hoes to experienced last season. As a results the demand cultivate their crop fields. Most farmers for seeds both improved and traditional seed interviewed indicated that their land is sufficient

and suitable for crop production. Most farmers unable to retain seeds for both cereal and non- do not use fertilizer, but rather use livestock cereal crops. Most farmers in this area use manure to fertilize their crop fields. livestock manure to fertilize their crop fields. With regards to the use of fertilizers, the With regards to selling of mahangu grains, most constituency reported that, the demand for the households interviewed have indicated that, they use of fertilizers has increased as compared to did not sell, due to lack of surplus. On livestock the past years. Draught animals are reported to situation, it was reported that, livestock be in poor body condition and many farmers are particularly cattle and donkeys are succumbing reported to have lost their livestock due to to drought and many farmers have lost some of prevailing drought conditions. Furthermore, their animals. Although, water for livestock is labour is also available in terms of both family enough, grazing area is said to be very poor. On members and hired labor. Farmers have further the household food security, it was reported that indicated that cultivation tools are in place and the situation is flagging as many households are ready for the season, waiting to be used reported to have depleted their last season’s poor especially once productive rainfall is received. harvest and are now dependent on the market and drought relief foods for food access. On household food security, the majority of farmers are reported to have finished their last Oshakati East Constituency: Despite a slight season’s harvest are currently dependent on the delay in the onset of the 2013/2014 rainfall mark and government drought relief foods for season, most farmers are in need of seeds for food access. No livestock diseases were reported both cereal and non-cereal crops. According to at the time of the assessment. However drought farmers, it was very difficult if not impossible related conditions as well as deaths due to for them to obtain sufficient good quality seeds, drought were widely reported in the area. At the following serious drought conditions which time of the assessment, various parts of this dominated the season. Many farmers therefore constituency are still dry and no significant makes regular visit to the ADC in search for rainfall received yet. seeds. At the time of the assessment, the ADC was still waiting for the seeds which have just Uuvudhiya constituency: Most farmers in this arrived in the region and have not yet distributed. area were unable to retain sufficient good quality Farmers in the area use draught animal powers, seeds from the previous season, due to drought. tractors and hand hoes to cultivate their crop Farmers are reported to be visiting the ADC fields. Moreover, many farmers are reported to regularly, in search for seeds. At the time of the have registered to participate in the assessment, both free and subsidized seeds have government’s dry land crop production subsidy not yet arrive in the constituency. Furthermore, programs. livestock manure is mostly used in this area and fertilizers are rarely used. At the time of this On the livestock health, no major livestock assessment the local ADC still has a carryover diseases were reported in the area at the time of stock of fertilizers from the previous season, as this assessment. However, farmers are the demand for fertilizers is very low. On complaining about hunger for their livestock and ploughing services, two private tractors are other conditions related to drought. Some known to be operating in this area and these farmers have reported that they have lost some of tractors did not participate in the government their livestock due to the prevailing severe ploughing last season, apparently because of the drought conditions. With regards to household delay in payments by the government. At the food security, the situation is said to have time of this assessment no tractor has been weakened as many household are reported to registered yet for the government ploughing have depleted their last season’s harvest and are subsidy services. Furthermore, government now dependent on the market and government tractor assigned to this constituency is expected drought relief foods for food supply. to resume its services soon and many farmers have started to register. Majority of farmers in Oshakati west constituency: Despite enough this area use mainly draught animals to cultivate availability of tractor services in the constituency, their crop fields. On agricultural implements, the majority of farmers are in need of seeds. majority of farmers are reported to have Following the drought and subsequent poor implements such as ploughs and hand hoes ready. harvest last season, most farmers if not all were On the marketing aspect, it was reported that

farmers did not sell their Mahangu grains to assisted. Most cattle herd in this area use to take NAB this year since there were no surplus. their livestock to Oponona Lake for water supply, However, some farmers sold their cattle as part but the lake was also drying up due to drought of the rangeland drought management measures conditions. Rotten carcasses of livestock, and claimed the livestock marketing incentives particularly cattle were seen lying around the from the government. On the livestock health, lake and some weak cattle failing to wake up this constituency is heavy overstock with cattle were also seen along the lake. Furthermore, cases from Oshana, Omusati, Oshikoto and of internal parasites were widely reported Ohangwena region and at the time of the especially in donkeys. assessment, cattle were still dying as drying as drought conditions intensify. It was reported that, On the household food security, most households livestock were dying due to poor grazing are reported to have depleted their last season’s conditions as well as water shortages in the area. poor harvest and are currently dependent on the Farmers reported that some of their livestock are market purchases and government drought relief weak to the extent that they are unable to wake foods for food access. up on their own and as such they have to be

Oshikoto Region

At the time of the assessment, the region was in a process of making transport arrangements to collect their pearl millet seeds from the Northern Namibia Seed Growers Cooperative in Mahenene in the Omusati region. The region further reported that it has a carryover stock of sorghum and maize seeds as well as fertilizers from last season and they have already started selling to the farmers. The region further reported that they are still waiting for the free seeds under the government Drought Relief Program as well as new stock of fertilizers to arrive. Government tractors are reported to be ready for ploughing services and are expected to be dispatched to various constituency once sufficient rainfall have been received. Private tractors as well as weeding groups are also expected to participate in the government ploughing and weeding subsidy services respectively. However, farmers indicated their concern about the poor condition of draught animals which according to them drought animals are currently weak and may not be available immediately for ploughing services. Majority of farmers especially in the eastern part of the region use draught animal power to cultivate their crop fields. Moreover, many farmers have registered for the government ploughing subsidy services. Furthermore, seeds are stingily available at household level as many farmers were unable to retain sufficient good quality seeds from last season’s harvest due to drought situation. With regards to household food security, the situation is fragile as the number of food insecure people is on the rise. According to most household interviewed, their little harvest from last season’s poor harvest has been depleted and is now dependent on the market and drought relief foods for food access. Although, government drought relief food distribution is taking place in the region, the Regional Councilors’ Office indicatedConstituencies that the amoun t of food received monthly is not Eengodienough Constituency:when compared Most to farmersthe rising in number this of received.food insecure Most farmerspeople inin thisthe region. area use sAs draft a constituencyresult, the weredistribution unable to of obtain food good to registered quality beneficiaryanimal tois done cultivate on alternate their crop basis, fields ,that which if seedsa beneficiary due to poor harvest received experienced food this last month,season. he/sheaccording will only to farmers receive are after weak two and or unfit three for Fmonths.armers further On reported the livestock that, there health was ,a slightno major livestockploughing diseases services. However, were reported some farmers except are delaydrought in the related onset of conditions the 2013/20 such14 crop as season while. internalreported parasite to in have goats taken were some widely of their reported livestock including draught animal to cattle posts for better Atin the most time parts of the of assessment, the region. this area was still dry and productive rainfall has not yet been grazing conditions.

With regards to marketing of pearl millet grains, Okankolo Constituency: Most farmers in this farmers indicated that there were no surpluses to area indicated that they were unable to obtain sell due to poor harvest last season. No major sufficient good quality seeds due to drought livestock diseases were reported at the time of conditions experienced last season. At the time the assessment. However, farmers reported that of this assessment, subsidy as well as free seeds they have lost some of their livestock due to has not yet been received in the area. However, it drought and hoping for better rainfall was reported that, the ADC has limited quantity performance this season in order to revive their of fertilizers in stock which they already have animals. On the household food security, the started selling to the farmers. Farmers further situation is said to be weakening since most reported that, there is a delay in the start of the households are reported to have depleted their 2013/2014 rain season. According to farmers, no harvest and are now dependent on the market significant rainfall was received since the and drought relief food for food access. beginning of the rain season in October.

Guinas Constituency: Most farmers in this area Most farmers in this area use draught animals to were unable to retain enough good quality seeds, cultivate their crop fields, but at the time of this following poor harvest last season. Farmers are assessment, draught animals are reported to be reportedly making regular visits to the ADC in weak and unfit for ploughing services. Farmers search for seeds which were not yet available at however, expressed their skepticisms about the the time of this assessment. The local ADC availability of draught animals and indicated that indicated that, they were still waiting for both there is a shortage of tractor services in the area. improved and drought relief seeds to arrive in the There are about two private tractors known to be region so that they can take their share in order operating in the area, just in addition to to distribute it to farmers. The ADC further government tractor. No major livestock diseases indicated that they have a carryover stock of were reported at the time of the assessment. fertilizers from last season which they have However, most of the livestock cases reported already started selling to farmers. Draught are related to hunger and this include: Dystocia animals are commonly used in this area for and retained placenta in cattle as well as deaths ploughing and weeding, but these animals are due to drought. With regards to household food reported to be weak due to the prevailing drought security, the situation was reported to be fragile conditions. Many farmers are said to have lost as there majority of households are reported to some of their livestock to drought. Furthermore, have depleted the little they have harvested from private tractors are hardly found in this area and last seasons’ poor harvest and are now dependent the government tractor assigned to this on the market and government drought relief constituency does not meet the rising demand foods for food access. from the farmers for ploughing services. On agricultural implements farmers reported that Olukonda constituency: The majority of their tools are okay and ready for the season. farmers in this constituency reported that they Furthermore, labour is available but hired labour don’t have seeds retained from the previous is only available to farmers who can afford to season following the poor harvest and by the pay for services rendered. time of this assessment farmers were busy registering at the councilor’s office for free GRN On the marketing aspect, farmers indicated that seeds. Furthermore, some farmers indicated that there was no surplus to sell, since the harvest they are eagerly waiting to buy subsidized seeds was poor last season. However, some farmers from their local ADC. Moreover, the demand for sold some of their livestock as part of the fertilizers is not high in comparison to the rangeland drought management program. The demand of seeds and majority of farmers make food security is weakening as most households use of kraal manure, however there are some are reported to have finished their little harvest farmers who also make use of fertilizers. The from last season and are currently dependent on majority of farmers indicated that the condition the market and drought relief foods for food of draught animal power is poor hence not yet fit access. No major livestock diseases were to plough and farmers reported that they will reported at the time of this assessment, except rather prefer tractor services for ploughing. drought related conditions and deaths due to Furthermore, by the time of this assessment, six drought. private tractor owners registered for ploughing

services which will be supplemented by one ploughing service. One weeding group was GRN tractor and the demand is high. The registered to partake in the government weeding majority of farmers indicated that they were busy subsidy services, and more groups are expected with clearing, spreading kraal manure in their to follow suit. crop fields as well as dry planting during the assessment period and which they reportedly With regards to household food security, the started during November. On ploughing situation is reported to be weakening as most implements, the majority of farmers indicated households are reported to have depleted their that they have hand hoes and only few farmers food stock from last season’s harvest and are who have ploughs as the majority of farmers currently dependent on the market and or prefer tractors for ploughing activities. drought relief foods for food supply. On the Furthermore, farmers also indicated that the livestock health, cases of internal parasites in common means of labour are family members as both goats and donkeys were widely reported in well as weeding groups and by the time of this the constituency. No major livestock diseases assessment, three weeding groups had registered were reported at the time of the assessment. in order to take part in weeding subsidy services. However, farmers indicated that the problem they are facing is hunger for their livestock due On the marketing aspect, the majority of farmers to drought which is said to have claimed the were not able to sell some of their produce due to lives of many livestock. the poor harvest of last season. Furthermore, household food security was reported to be poor, Omuthiya Constituency: Farmers in this area since the majority of households have depleted reported that they were unable to obtain their harvest and is depending on the marketing sufficient good quality seed due to severe for food access as well on drought relief food. drought conditions experienced last season. On livestock health, the majority of farmers Nevertheless, this constituency has just received indicated that no major livestock diseases were their first seed consignment and was in the experienced. However, drought related cases are process of informing the farmers about the common following the poor grazing due to availability of seeds at the ADC. With regards to drought as well as overgrazing in the fertilizers, the ADC has limited carryover stock constituency, which results in livestock being from last season which they had already started weak and eventually some are dying. selling to farmers, while waiting for a new stock to arrive. On ploughing services, draught animals Omuntele Constituency: Like other were reported to be weak and unfit for ploughing constituencies in the region, majority of farmers services. In addition to the government tractor, were unable to retain sufficient good quality two private tractors were registered to participate seeds from last season due to drought in the government ploughing subsidy scheme as experienced last seasons. At the time of the compared to three last seasons. However, assessment, the ADC was still waiting for both farmers are skeptical about the reliability of subsidy and free seeds. No significant amount of tractor services due to the high demand in the rainfall received and most parts of this area was area. At the time of the assessment, the majority still dry. A carryover stock of fertilizers from last of farmers were busy with spreading kraal season was still available at the ADC. It was manure in their crop fields, fencing their crop further reported that, most farmers in this area fields, and waiting for the rain to start. At the used livestock manure rather than inorganic time of this assessment five weeding groups had fertilizers. Three private tractors were registered been registered to participate in the government to participate in the government ploughing weeding subsidy scheme. Last season, only two subsidy services this season as compared to weeding groups took part in weeding services. about six tractors last season. Additionally, the government tractor is reported to be on standby On the marketing aspect, majority of farmers did and is expected to start ploughing services, once not sell their crop produce indicating that, the enough rainfall is received. Farmers use both harvest was very poor because of drought last tractors and drought animals to cultivate their season. On the household food security, the crop fields. At the time of the assessment, situation was reported to be weakening as most livestock including draught animals were households are reported to have finished up food reported in poor to very poor conditions and stock from own production and are now according to farmers, draft animals are not fit for dependent on the market and government

drought relief foods for food access. Regarding the livestock issues, body condition is reported to Oniipa Constituency: Farmers indicated that be poor in most places and very poor in other they don’t have seeds following last season’s areas. Livestock diseases reported included Gall poor harvest, however they are hoping to buy sickness and Botulism were reported in seeds at the local ADC as soon as possible when Onashikuvu villages and the surrounding area. seeds will be made available at the ADC. Farmers indicated that, no major disease reported, Furthermore, farmers in this ward indicated that except hunger and its concomitants they usually make use of both kraal manure as circumstances. Many farmers are reported to well as fertilizers. Moreover, the condition of have lost some of their livestock due to drought. draught animal power is very weak, however the majority of farmers indicated that they usually Onayena constituency: The majority of farmers make use of either GRN or private tractors indicated that they don’t have seeds and by the services for ploughing activities since draught time of this assessment, farmers were busy animal power are rarely used in this ward. registering for free GRN seeds. However, there Furthermore, by the time of this assessment, four are few farmers who indicated that they only private tractor owners had registered for have few seeds, which they will need to ploughing services this season, which is supplement by buying subsidized seeds at their supplemented by one GRN tractor and the local ADC. Furthermore, kraal manure is demand is very high this season, given the poor commonly used by the majority of farmers in condition of draught animal power. Moreover, their crop fields; however there are some farmers by the time of this assessment, farmers were who also make use of fertilizers. The conditions busy spreading kraal manure in their crop fields, of draught animal power were reported to be in fencing as well as some farmers had started with fair condition and farmers were optimistic that as dry planting, which they reportedly started the season progresses the draught animals will be during October. On ploughing implements, the fit for ploughing. Furthermore, the majority of majority of farmers have hand hoes, however farmers indicated that they make use of either some farmers don’t own ploughs but they GRN or private tractor services or draught usually hire from others. Furthermore, the animals for ploughing activities. Moreover, by majority of farmers make use of hired labour as the time of this assessment, the majority of well as family members for agricultural activities. farmers were busy with fencing as well as spreading kraal manure in their crop fields. On the marketing aspect, the majority of farmers indicated that the harvest was very low last On ploughing implements, the majority of season as a result they could not sell some of farmers indicated that they have hand hoes and their produce. Furthermore, on household food ploughs readily available for the cropping season. security, the majority of households have On labour issues, the majority of farmers depleted their produce of last season and by the reported that family members, hired labour as time of this assessment they were depending on well as weeding groups are commonly used in the market for food access as well as on drought the constituency for agricultural activities and by relief food. On livestock health, no major the time of this assessment, 15 weeding groups livestock diseases were reported by farmers, had registered for subsidized weeding services. however farmers experienced livestock death due On the marketing aspect, the majority of farmers to drought related cases. Lastly, the pasture is reported that they could not sell some of their generally poor, however by the time of this produce due to the poor harvest of last season. assessment, few showers were received in the Furthermore, household food security was ward and farmers were optimistic that the pasture reported to be poor as the majority of farmers is recovering as the season progresses. indicated that they are receiving drought relief food as well as relying on the market for food access. On livestock health, farmers reported that Onyaanya Constituency: Due to a poor crop there are no major livestock diseases experienced harvest obtained last season, majority of farmers in the constituency, however livestock are were unable to obtain enough seeds for this recovering from the devastating drought season. As a result, farmers make regular visits following few showers received in the to their local ADC in search of seeds. At the time constituency and farmers indicated that the of this assessment, subsidy as well as free seeds pasture is also recovering. have not yet arrive in the area. Moreover,

farmers noted that there has been a delay in the However, on the livestock sale, some farmers onset of the rain which according to them sold some of their livestock as part of the productive rainfall have not yet been received by rangeland drought management program and the time of this assessment. It was reported that, claimed the subsidy from the government. The this constituency has a significant numbers of household food security was reported to be private tractors operating in the area and many of weakening as most households are said to have them do partake in the government ploughing depleted their own production and are currently subsidy program. In addition, government tractor dependent on the market and or drought relief assigned to this area is also said to be on standby, foods for food. Livestock conditions are reported waiting for enough rainfall for it’s to start the to range between fair and very poor. Farmers ploughing services. Many farmers are reported to reported that, they have lost some of their have registered for this service as well as other livestock due to prevailing drought conditions in subsidy services such as seeds and fertilizers. the area. With regards to livestock health, no Farmers use both animal draught power animals major livestock diseases were reported except and tractors to cultivate their crop fields. hunger for livestock as well as drought related conditions such as retained placenta, stillbirth, Regarding the sale of surplus, most farmers vaginal prolapse, Dystocia, particularly in cattle. could not sell their crop harvests due to lack of surplus, following poor harvest last season.

8. CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATIONS

The main findings of the assessment are that: The country is still suffering from the effects of serious drought which have started last season, affecting the agricultural production negatively. As a result, household food security situation is fragile and weakening in the regions, most households are reported to have finished their little last season’s harvest between July and August this year and are currently dependent on the market and government drought relief foods for food access. Last season’s poor harvest has leads to serious shortages of seeds both at individual farmer’s level and regional level. Poor grazing conditions were reported in the regions and the situation is exacerbated by a delay in the start of the rainfall. To this end, majority of farmers are reported to have lost many of their livestock to drought. Water shortages for livestock due to drought conditions were also been in most parts of the country. Based on these findings, the following strategies (but not limited to) are suggested for possible interventions and future assistance to improve agricultural production:

 For the weakening food security situation, it is thus suggested that the drought relief food program should continue especially to the most vulnerable groups affected by food deficits until such a time that, the affected people are able to regain their normal livelihoods, pending the outcomes of the 2013/2014 agricultural production.

 The Directorate of Research and Training, Directorate of Extension and Engineering Services (DEES) as well as the Directorate Disaster Risk Management in the Office of the Prime Minister are urged to procure and provide seeds to the affected farmers.

 Provision of timely support in the form of subsidies with agricultural inputs such as seed, fertilizers, draft animals, tractors, ploughing and weeding services by the DEES is strongly advised

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. In no particular order, 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)

 Northern Namibia Farmers Seed Growers’ Cooperative

 Likwama Farmers Association

 Meteorological Services of Namibia

 Directorate of Disaster Risk Management

 Directorate of Veterinary Services

 Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA)