• CHARLES TjaTINDIFARMERS in the Epukiro constituency of Omaheke region say they have started preparing for the worst, in anticipation of a low rainfall season.
Although recent weather forecasts indicated a moderate to normal rainfall season, Epukiro farmers have started putting into motion mechanisms to mitigate against a possible drought.
Most of the farmers who spoke to Nampa on Sunday believe the delay in rains in the constituency could spell disaster if no contingency plans are put in place.
“We have stopped believing in weather forecasts as we have not had any rain despite forecasts to the contrary over the past three months. All we get these days are drops of less than 2mm, which will not save us from drought,” Hans Kuverua said.
Kuverua said he has started cutting dry grass near commercial farm corridors to stock up for the dry period.
“There is just no telling how things could turn around given current changes in climate and global warming that we so often hear about,” he said.
Another farmer, George Kavari – who started farming at Epukiro to flee drought in the Aminuis Constituency about five years ago – is also a worried man.
“When I got here the rainfall was great, but these last two years have seen a shift from the norm; we are getting rainfall late and it is not as heavy as it used to be,” Kavari said.
He, however, remains adamant that the situation at Epukiro will be better than at Aminuis, which has had continuous spells of drought over the past five years or so.
Kavari said he has upped the daily intake of licks and supplements for his livestock so as to keep them strong should the worst come.
Other farmers felt that overgrazing at most villages in the constituency, coupled with illegal camping on land, has drastically reduced good grazing land in the constituency.
The Epukiro constituency is located east of Gobabis – the region’s main economic centre. Epukiro Post 3, located some 130 kilometres from Gobabis, is the constituency’s main centre that houses schools, a clinic and several shops.
– Nampa
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