insert_link Africa Lesotho declares food insecurity emergency Lesotho's government says people are at risk of extreme hunger in the next eight months. The country's Prime Minister Sam Matekane has declared a national food insecurity disaster spanning eight months from July 2024 to March 2025. The Lesotho Times reports Matekane announced that severe El Niño-induced droughts are causing extreme hunger for at least 700,000 Basotho, a notable rise from the 582,000 affected in the 2022/2023 period. This crisis, […] todayJuly 24, 2024 3
insert_link Local Sanlam Empowers Farmers The 13th edition of the Agra Weaner Championship Series kicked off on 09 July, sparking excitement among cattle farmers nationwide. Sanlam is proud to sponsor N$75,000 towards the project, which began its auctions in Karasburg and will continue to Grootfontein. This project provides a prestigious platform for producers to showcase their exceptional work. Additionally, four auctions will be held in the communal areas of Aminus, Okondjatu, Talismanus, […] todayJuly 17, 2024 5
insert_link Namibia Namibia Dairies Introduces Winter Levy to Support Dairy Farmers Namibia Dairies has announced the implementation of a supplementary winter levy to support dairy farmers facing challenging conditions due to the ongoing drought. This initiative reflects the company's commitment to the local agricultural sector, recognizing dairy farmers as the backbone of food security and the economy. Namibia Dairies remains dedicated to assisting farmers through every challenge. Acting Managing Director of Namibia Dairies and Chief Operating Officer of the Ohlthaver & […] todayJuly 11, 2024 16
insert_link Environment City of Windhoek warns of heightened risk of veld fires The City of Windhoek says that most veld fires are caused by people and are preventable. With Namibia experiencing a drought, the City’s spokesperson, Lydia Amutenya, has advised residents in fire-prone areas to avoid actions that could lead to the destruction of the environment and property damage. todayJuly 3, 2024 14
insert_link Namibia Drought accelerates charcoal production in Outjo The Kunene Region has been heavily affected by drought, prompting farmers in the Outjo Constituency to diversify their income through the production of charcoal. Following a decade of poor rains and failed harvests, as well as livestock losses due to the drought, most commercial farmers in the constituency are facing dire consequences, with some affected residents relying on the government feeding programme for survival and others converting […] todayJuly 3, 2024 7
insert_link Business / Economics FNB Namibia expects inflation to tick up slightly in June FNB Namibia expects headline inflation to rise by 0.1 to 5.0 percent year-on-year in June. The bank further anticipates a slight decrease in inflation on a month-on-month basis of 0.1 percentage points to 0.2% in June 2024, primarily influenced by a 0.7% reduction in transport costs compared to the previous month. FNB Namibia economist Helena Mboti. Mboti says the alcoholic beverages and tobacco category will significantly contribute to inflation, […] todayJuly 2, 2024 27
insert_link Namibia Namibia faces worst drought in decade The Kamanjab Constituency is facing severe drought, leading local leaders to seek national assistance. Councillor Niko Somaeb told the Namibia Press Agency the area has experienced over 80% livestock loss due to the decade-long drought, which is the worst on record. Despite ongoing food aid efforts supporting 2,080 households, Somaeb stressed the need for additional support to sustain remaining livestock and address food insecurity. todayJune 24, 2024 16
insert_link Environment ‘Cape of Storms’ – climate researchers explain Cape Town’s recent extreme weather By Sabina Abba Omar, University of Cape Town and Stefaan Conradie, University of Cape Town A severe storm hit South Africa’s Western Cape province between 6 and 9 April 2024, with extreme winds gusting at up to 135km/h. The storm left a trail of destruction across Cape Town and surrounding areas – at least 1,500 people were left homeless after the high winds fanned fires […] todayJune 3, 2024 13
insert_link Africa Malawi faces a food crisis: why plans to avert hunger aren’t realistic and what can be done By Joachim De Weerdt, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) and Jan Duchoslav, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Malawi is heading towards a severe food crisis later this year. Drought brought on by the El Niño weather pattern has affected the harvest of maize, the staple food grown by nine out of 10 farming households in the country. The government declared a state […] todayJune 3, 2024 12
Paying it forward: Kenyan coastal doctor Bashrahil Mohammed Mafudh has made it his life’s work to care for the most vulnerable in his community, at no cost.