Cereal Production Hits Record Low

• Calls for International Aid

In a concerning development for the nation’s food security, cereal production has drastically fallen to 67,530 tons, meeting only 23 percent of the national requirement. This shortfall is primarily due to the late onset of the planting season, which has significantly delayed ploughing and planting activities for most farmers.

This is according to a newly released report by the Rural Development Secretariat under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, which calls for support from the international community about the devastating impact of drought on food security drivers, nutrition, water supplies, and food production. 

The report highlighted a significant decline in crop yields, with a drop from 206,572 tons harvested in 2021/22 to 125,184 tons in 2022/23. 

President Masisi has declared the 2023/24 season an extreme agricultural drought year. 

The Rural Development Secretariat states that the 2022/23 cropping season was characterised by low and highly variable rains coupled with prolonged dry spells. 

“Total production stands at 125 184 tons which is also lower than 206 572 tons for 2021/22. Cereal production stands at 67,530 tons, representing 23 percent of the national requirement. As a result of the late onset, most farmers have not started plough/planting activities. Rural households are therefore at risk of being food insecure,” the secretariat points out. 

It says water levels in major rivers are currently at their lowest levels and continue to decrease at both Mohembo in the Okavango River system and the Chobe River. Boro and Thamalakane rivers are also drying up. Water levels at the abstraction points of Shakawe, Sepopa, Maun (Borolong) and Chobe treatment plants are not satisfactory hence compromising water supply in Maun village, the Rural Development Secretariat says.  “A hydrological drought is therefore anticipated in some areas if the rainfall structure does not improve,” the Rural Development secretariat says. 

While the department notes that “Most of the Dams are in a healthy state, thus should be able to meet their demand nodes for more than a year without inflows,” it “However,” observes that “ Lotsane Dam is at 37 percent which translates into 16 months of supply without inflows. Given the current rainfall patterns, wellfields in Tswapong North will be resuscitated to supply water in the area should the need arise.”  

The Rural Development secretariat says during the months of January to March (JFM) 2024 rainfall over most parts of the country (Ngamiland, N/Central, Chobe, Ghanzi, Kgalagadi, Southern, Southeast, Kgatleng and Kweneng) was predicted to be normal to below normal. Rainfall over the extreme eastern parts of the country (Northeast, S/Central) is predicted to be below normal. Temperatures over the whole country were forecast to be above normal. Therefore, the season is classified as a meteorological drought year, it says.  The secretariat notes that wildland Fire outbreaks were detected in twenty-six (26) districts since the beginning of the fire season and the situation worsened from August to October 2023. Extremely dry fuel load, high temperatures and windy conditions experienced during these months exacerbated the problem. A total area of 777 750.7 hectares (Ha) has been burnt by wildland fires since April 2023. Ghanzi District recorded the highest area burnt at 313661.2 Ha followed by Okavango and North West Districts with 121 273.9 and 113 109.9 respectively.

The Rural Development secretariat says “Although there are some drought-related mortalities, wildlife condition was recorded to be fair resulting in an increase in movement of wild animals in search of palatable vegetation.” It says “Forage condition and water sources in protected areas were also recorded to be fair. To mitigate the situation, artificial water boreholes are used to supply water for wildlife. However, as a result of the ecological drought, wildlife was affected forcing animals to migrate to other parts of the country as a result.” 

It says the grazing situation has deteriorated drastically from the last assessment and is graded as poor. The Rural Development secretariat says veldt fires have also exacerbated the problem in areas such as Serowe, Letlhakeng, Mabutsane, Hukuntsi and Mahalapye. Livestock body condition ranges from poor to fair and lactating cows are mostly affected. Water availability remains fair to good and expected to sustain livestock until the next rain season.

The Rural Development secretariat therefore made recommendations as mitigating factors. An Insurance payout to rain-fed arable farmers who secured loans through a Government-funded insurance scheme.  Thirty percent Livestock Feed Subsidy and vaccines for both traditional and non-traditional livestock sectors. Fifty percent Subsidy for Acaricides (Pesticides) and Antibiotics for control and treatment of animals with amblyomma (bont tick) and dermatophylosis(Senkoba) in the Okavango and North West Districts. Grants at 100 percent for Solar Electrification of field fences in elephant-prone areas. Supply of Re malnutrition; Provision of an additional 20,000 slots for Ipelegeng Programme (Public Works Initiative) beneficiaries. Supplementary Feeding Programme at all Primary Schools (breakfast and mid-day meal) including a third meal for school-going children in the remote areas.