Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Adam Hartman
Published on 2024-03-29 06:00:00
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has implemented various measures to ensure the resilience and sustainability of food production in Namibia as the effects of climate change continue to impact the agricultural sector. Namibia, being one of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is particularly vulnerable to climate change and variability, which poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of the rural population dependent on farming.
According to Chrispin Matongela, the deputy director for public relations in the agriculture ministry, Namibia has been experiencing unusual weather patterns over the past decade, including low rainfall, harsh sunny days, and prolonged rainfalls, leading to crop losses and challenges in food production. The Namibian Climate change has put food production at risk, emphasizing the urgent need for adaptation strategies.
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) highlighted in its March 2024 Agri-Review that the agricultural sector is facing challenges such as weather uncertainties, shifting market dynamics, and operational losses amid agricultural inflation. The NAU urged all agriculture stakeholders to remain vigilant and adaptive in 2024, especially with the looming drought and its potential impact on rangeland and farmers’ financial stability.
To mitigate the negative impacts of climate change, the government has introduced policy-driven interventions and strategies to enhance resilience and adaptation in agriculture. These interventions include promoting climate-smart agriculture techniques such as Conservation Agriculture (CA), Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), drought-tolerant improved seeds, water-saving techniques like drip irrigation, and the use of indigenous knowledge combined with modern technologies for early warning.
Additionally, value chain programs have been implemented to promote resilience and capacity building among farmers, supported by initiatives like the Namibia Mechanisation and Seed Improvement Project (NAMSIP) that provide farmers with access to modern agricultural technologies and equipment. NAMSIP has procured machinery and equipment to enhance land preparation, planting, weeding, and harvesting, ultimately increasing production, reducing cultivation costs, and ensuring national food security.
Furthermore, the ministry of agriculture, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, is implementing a program aimed at strengthening peri-urban communities’ resilience to climate change through climate-smart agriculture production, access to solar technologies, climate information, and early warning systems. This collaborative effort is expected to have a positive impact on the agriculture sector and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Looking ahead, the government plans to launch key policies and strategies during the 2024/25 financial year, including the Revised National Drought Management Policy and Strategy, the National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP) 2023-2030, and the Revised National Resettlement Policy 2023. These initiatives aim to improve drought preparedness, enhance agricultural productivity, and address land redistribution challenges to ensure sustainable land use and livelihood improvement for disadvantaged Namibians.
In conclusion, the government’s proactive stance towards addressing the challenges posed by climate change and ensuring food security in Namibia demonstrates a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and resilience-building efforts in the face of evolving climate conditions. By implementing these measures and strategies, Namibia strives to safeguard its agricultural sector and promote the well-being of its rural population dependent on farming.
Read the original article on The Namibian
