Namibia: Omaheke farmers lose cattle while residents encounter starvation due to drought

Ovaua Kuaima OKOMUNGONDO - Farmers in Okomungondo and surrounding villages in the Omaheke region have suffered significant losses, with more than 100 cattle succumbing to the severe drought between September and December. Communal farmers in the region are grappling with the harsh effects of the erratic rainy season, witnessing a substantial number of deaths among their livestock due to the scarcity of grazing. During a recent visit to the village situated in the Aminuis constituency, farmers expressed concern about the dire situation, saying the local population is facing starvation. The heavy reliance on cattle for various needs has exacerbated the crisis. Farmers also reported receiving meagre drought relief assistance from the government, consisting of just one bag of maize meal, four tins of fish and a bottle of cooking oil, handed over to them at the beginning of this month. Koonene Tjikundisa, a farmer in Otjozonguehe, said the only hope for the community lies in their ...