Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Farmers in the Gam settlement in the Otjozondjupa region are grappling with huge challenges in accessing drought relief subsidies, with some forced to travel over 400 kilometres to make bank deposits required for receiving animal feed.
This has placed a severe financial strain on the farming community, prompting frustration and calls for change.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has acknowledged these concerns.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Jona Musheko, said this issue arises from the limited availability of revenue collection points at the ministry’s offices near these farming communities.
“The ministry acknowledges the challenges that some farmers face in submitting their drought claims, particularly the need to travel long distances to do so. This issue arises from the limited availability of revenue collection points in offices near farming areas, forcing farmers to travel to larger towns to make necessary deposits,” said Musheko.
Musheko added that the ministry is committed to addressing the problem.
“In collaboration with the Office of the Prime Minister, the ministry will be visiting the Gam area to facilitate payments to farmers who have not yet received them. During this visit, we will also take the opportunity to consult with farmers, gather feedback, and address any additional challenges related to the drought incentive applications, with the aim of making improvements, “he said.
Gam farmers, through their chief, Hans Kandji, last month expressed frustration over the current system, which requires them to deposit money at a bank in Gobabis or Grootfontein before collecting cattle feed from the agricultural office.
According to Kandji, this process has left many farmers unable to access the feed due to the financial and logistical burdens.
“We spoke to the agriculture offices through the ministry, and they said this is the process they are using,” Kandji told the Windhoek Observer last month.
The drought relief scheme, which aims to provide cattle feed to struggling farmers, has been a lifeline in regions such as Otjozondjupa.
However, the logistical challenges of accessing the subsidy have left many farmers without the necessary support.
