The low rainfall experienced across the country has resulted in poor harvests and severe water shortages.

The Office of the Prime Minister is holding a two-day national platform to discuss the implementation of the 2024/2025 drought relief programme.

President Nangolo Mbumba engaged traditional leaders of the eight northern traditional authorities at Oshakati this morning.

The aim was to familiarise himself with traditional leaders, inform them officially that he had taken office as Head of State, and seek their blessings.

Zambezi Region Governor, Alufea Sampofu, says despite below-average rainfall received in the region compared to previous years, there is a need to cultivate as many crop fields as possible.

Sampofu encourages all residents to ensure they put bread on the tables of their families.

A severe drought is looming in the Otamanzi Constituency of the Omusati Region due to the poor rainfall received in the area this year.

The silos of many subsistence farmers are empty, and their only hope is drought-relief food for both humans and animals.

Omusati Governor Erginus Endjala says the poor rainfall experienced in the region has become worrisome for both crop and livestock farmers.

The situation, he says, has resulted in many northern communal farmers losing any hope for a bumper harvest this year.

Farmers in the Oshana Region are worried about food insecurity because some areas of the region are still flooded and crops have been submerged by water.

The opposite is that crops in some fields have begun to wilt due to insufficient rain.

Some areas in the Omaheke and Otjozondjupa regions have started to receive rainfall as of late January.

However, most farming communities are of the opinion that they are hoping to record above-average rainfall as grazing land has been in a deplorable state.