The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform is developing a response strategy to help farmers prepare for potentially dry conditions during the 2026/27 rainy season, as the latest climate outlook points to below-normal rainfall across much of Namibia.
The ministry’s deputy director, Romeo Muyunda, said the strategy would focus on farmer awareness, crop and livestock management, climate-smart agriculture and water conservation.
“The ministry is proactively developing a response strategy to ensure that the sector is well prepared should forecasts confirm below-normal rainfall,” Muyunda said.
The planned measures include strengthening agricultural extension services, improving the distribution of seasonal climate information and promoting water har
vesting and climate-smart farming practices.
“The strategy will also provide guidance on crop and livestock management and water conservation and harvesting, while government plans to collaborate with stakeholders supporting farming communities,” he said.
Muyunda said timely access to seasonal forecasts and technical advice would help farmers make informed decisions about planting, livestock management and water use.
Farmers urged to prepare
The ministry first raised concerns in July after seasonal climate forecasts indicated the possibility of an El Niño event, which can increase the risk of below-normal rainfall in southern Africa.
At the time, Muyunda said the event and its likely impact on Namibia had not been officially confirmed.
The ministry has continued to monitor developments with the Namibia Meteorological Service and other relevant institutions.
Although farmers are being urged to prepare, Muyunda said they should rely on official forecasts as conditions evolve.
“While awaiting formal confirmation, the Ministry encourages farmers to remain vigilant, follow official weather and seasonal climate updates, and begin considering practical measures to prepare for possible dry conditions should they materialise,” he said.
“Early preparedness enables farmers to make informed decisions and strengthens their resilience to climate variability.”
He urged farmers to follow updates through official government channels and consult their local Agricultural Development Centres and extension officers.
Dry outlook raises concerns
The latest regional seasonal climate outlook, released following the 33rd Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum in Swakopmund in August, indicates an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall across Namibia during the 2026/27 rainy season.
Below-normal rainfall is forecast for October to December 2026, with the dry outlook expected to persist into January to March 2027. Above-average temperatures are also likely across much of the region, raising concerns about soil moisture, grazing conditions, crop production and water availability.
The outlook is linked partly to strengthening El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific, although other climate drivers may also influence rainfall patterns.
For farmers, the forecast reinforces the importance of conserving water, managing grazing pressure, planning livestock feed reserves and using seasonal climate information to guide production decisions.
The ministry’s response strategy is intended to strengthen preparedness as the rainy season approaches.
