Namibian livestock farmers have been advised to reduce their livestock to avoid losing them to the foreseen dry season of the El Nino phenomenon.

The call was made by two of the country's biggest farmers' unions, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) and the Namibia National Farmers Union (NNFU).

The call for de-stocking comes after the UN's Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) released a report forecasting the prevalence of the El Nino phenomenon, expected next month.

A local Veterinarian in the Omaheke Region, Dr Punaa Kazapua has encouraged farmers to move away from the traditional way of handling animal medicine as this makes them less effective.

Dr Kazapua says that animal drugs are expensive and if the cold chain is not properly followed from retailers to livestock, it results in farmers spending more as the livestock health will not improve. 

Speaking at a farmer's information session at Tallismanus in the Otjombinde Constituency, Dr Kazapua says farmers should arm themselves with the correct handling of animal medication. 

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. 

nbc News team talked to some farmers in communal areas to hear about rainfall patterns in their areas. 

A seasonal farmer at Otjombinde Nokia Hange is worried as up to now not enough rainfall was received in the village.

The restrictions on the movement of livestock in six northern regions have been lifted.

The restrictions were imposed following an outbreak of the contagious lung sickness called bovine pleuro-pneumonia in February.

To date, the cattle mass vaccination campaign in all affected regions has been completed, with 94% coverage.

It is for this reason that the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry has decided to lift the ban on the movement of livestock in those areas.

Farming communities resettled at Somekoms in the Kalahari Constituency of the Omaheke Region are facing water problems as the boreholes reportedly contain high levels of nitrates, which are natural chemicals found in the soil, air, and water.

This makes their underground water unsuitable for either human or livestock consumption, with some farmers having reportedly lost some of their livestock.

A pensioner resettled at Somekoms, Angelika Geingos, says their livestock are dying. So far, she has lost more than ten cows due to the water situation.