Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Selma Iyambo
Published on 2024-04-16 17:00:00
Namibia is facing a food deficit in staple cereal crops like maize and pearl millet, according to Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform Minister Calle Schlettwein. This deficit will need to be covered through imports, as stated by Schlettwein during the annual ministerial planning workshop in Windhoek, which started yesterday and is expected to run until Friday.
Schlettwein mentioned that due to below-normal rainfall, Namibia’s neighboring countries have also experienced reduced cereal production. This will force Namibia to look for sources outside the South African Development Community region to import food. Additionally, the water situation poses a challenge as the country cannot purchase water from neighboring countries and must develop additional infrastructure to meet growing needs.
The erratic rainfall patterns in Namibia are affecting agricultural production programs, such as the Dry Land Crop Production Programme, which relies on seasonal rainfall. This unfavorable climate condition is limiting the country’s ability to increase food production and ensure national food security. The Crop Prospects, Food Security, and Drought Situation report for 2024 predict widespread crop failures and severe food shortages in Namibia.
The ministry has received a budget increase of 8.8%, with a portion allocated for staff salary increases. Schlettwein emphasized the importance of ensuring food and water security through budgetary allocation and acknowledged the farming community for their contribution.
During the workshop, members will discuss strategies to expedite the execution of priority projects to achieve ministerial mandates and objectives. In the previous financial year, the ministry acquired farms and undertook projects like the Neckartal Dam irrigation project and water supply infrastructure development in the Kavango East region.
Schlettwein called for the country to reconsider food production systems and adopt innovative climate smart strategies for a more responsive and resilient agriculture sector. Emphasizing the importance of meeting the Sustainable Development Goal on access to water and sanitation for all, Schlettwein mentioned the Namibia Water Sector Support Programme funded by the government and the African Development Bank.
The government has allocated funds for water supply security infrastructure projects, including the construction of new earth dams and a feasibility study for a desalination plant to cater to northern regions. Schlettwein also highlighted the ministry’s return of funds to the treasury due to unfilled budgeted positions and slow procurement processes, stressing the need for transformation and innovation in procurement.
Khomas regional governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua mentioned the communalization of hectares in the Khomas region to be handed over to the /Khomanin Traditional Authority if directed by the Cabinet.
In conclusion, Namibia faces challenges in food and water security due to a food deficit and erratic rainfall patterns. The government and ministry are working on strategies to address these challenges and ensure a more resilient agriculture sector.
Read the original article on The Namibian
