Epukiro farmers encouraged by good rains

Epukiro farmers encouraged by good rains Heavy rains that fell in many parts of Epukiro constituency, which forms part of the drought-stricken Omaheke Region, have given farmers renewed hopes.

In various interviews with Nampa on Tuesday, farmers said they can now breathe a sigh of relief as the recent showers will go a long way to ease their situation.

Tiree Muundjua from Okatuuo was grateful that it had finally started raining, and hoped for better livestock prices as a result.

He advised fellow farmers to save livestock fodder while the veld is in good condition, so as to have plenty to feed their livestock during the dry period.

“The rain will obviously bring good things and people's lives will progress and change for the better,” Muundjua said.

Echoing similar sentiments was Urioukuao Kaheeke, a part-time farmer from Okomumbonde, who hopes that the veld will recover in time as he was worried that the rain came a bit late.

“This rain has encouraged me to pull up my socks and make sure I don't lose any of my livestock this year,” said Kaaheke.

He added that the local earthen dam at his village was full to capacity as a result of the rain, urging fellow villagers to come up with innovative ways to save such water for later use.

On her part, Kauri Matundu said that they have waited for the rain for too long, almost losing hope.

“The good news is that our dam is full and the condition of our livestock is improving after months of drought in our area,” Matundu said.

A business woman from Otjozondjima, Patricia Murangi said she was inspired by the good showers to pay attention to her garden.

“Indeed one has to work hard this time and I believe the rain is still coming so I must put seeds in the ground,” she said.

Farmers in the Epukiro constituency of the Omaheke Region have been pleading for assistance from government as severe drought has taken its toll on livestock in the area.

Among the places that received rainfall over the weekend in Epukiro include Okomumbonde which recorded 86 mm, 52 mm at Omaueuozonjanda while Ozombouvapa recorded 72 mm, Okatuuo recorded 34 mm, Otjimanagombe had 27 mm and Okozondje recorded 60 mm.

NAMPA