Printing

Republic of Botswana

Government portal

GOVT DECLARES DROUGHT

23/07/13

GOVT DECLARES DROUGHT RELIEF MEASURES

Government has declared 2013/14 a drought year following the Drought Assessment Tour Exercise conducted from the April 15 to May 7. The exercise confirmed that rainfall was poorly distributed and much below normal in most parts of the country thus government concluded that that the overall food situation in the country has deteriorated and has approved that the whole country be declared drought stricken. A press release says that although the area planted was high the long dry spells between rainfall and the high rate of moisture loss due to above normal temperature, resulted in very poor crop conditions. As such, total cereal production estimates are very low. The release also states that grazing in most parts of the country was fair but deteriorating. In addition, it is feared that the anticipated poor harvests will adversely effect nutritional status of populations, especially young children. The human water supply is also generally low, especially the southern part of the country supplied from Gaborone Dam, which is facing a precarious situation due to the dam’s low water volume. Based the above factors, the whole country is experiencing drought severe enough in terms of both its effects and coverage to adversely affect human livelihood, and Batswana, with agro-based livelihoods are expected to suffer income losses and asset depletion, especially noting the anticipated drought related livestock mortality. This is expected to also impact and threaten the nutritional status of the population. In view of the described drought conditions, relief measures and actions will be implemented at a total cost of P217 510 465 for the period July 1 to April 30, 2014. Government will provide 35 per cent drought relief subsidy on selected livestock feeds and supplements for Ngamiland and Bobirwa, and 25 per cent for the rest of the country. Products to be subsidized are 50kg drought pellets, 50kg coarse salt, vitamins A, D and E 100ml, Di-Calcium phosphate, molasses and roughage/bran. Government will provide second meal for primary schools and double ration supply coverage for health facilities at targeted and hard hit areas which include Ngamiland District, Ghanzi , Kgalagadi , Southern and Central District be implemented until the end of 2013/14 financial year. MLGRD will also provide for temporary destitute and vulnerable groups under 5s, 5-6years, TB out patients, lactating and expectant mothers during the drought period. Government will also increase Ipelegeng quota at districts with high levels of poverty and expedite maintenance of food storage facilities through the normal maintenance budget. Government is also to drill, equip and clean wildlife relief boreholes in protected and Wildlife Management Areas. The release note that the effective date of implementation of all relief measures and actions be retroactive from July 1, 2013