Over N$101m paid to farmers through drought relief programme

More than N$101 million has already been paid out to Namibian farmers under the Livestock Marketing Incentive (LMI) Programme, a major component of the government’s drought relief efforts.This success was confirmed by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare in the National Assembly on 12 June, following questions posed by Vetaruhe Kandurozu of the National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO).Since the programme’s launch on 1 October 2023, a total of 25 422 subsidy claims were submitted by affected farmers across the country. Of these, 23 203 claims - valued at about N$101 million - have been successfully processed and paid.The remaining 2 219 claims, worth an estimated N$8.78 million, are still being finalised.Funded through the National Emergency Disaster Fund under the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), the LMI Programme was allocated a budget of N$100 million. The subsidy covers livestock sales, lick and fodder purchases, grazing leases, and transport hire, all aimed at supporting farmers struggling through Namibia’s recurring drought conditions.Why delays still occurDespite the overall success of the programme, Ngurare acknowledged that some farmers have experienced payment delays. These are often caused by incomplete or incorrect submissions at the local level.The LMI Programme is coordinated by the OPM, while the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform (MAFWLR) is responsible for receiving and validating applications through its nationwide extension offices.According to Ngurare, delays typically occur when subsidy forms are returned for corrections due to missing or inaccurate information. Only after full validation at the ministry's head office in Windhoek are claims forwarded to the OPM for final processing.“Once the claims reach the OPM, and provided all documentation is in order, the usual turnaround time for payment is approximately 3 to 4 weeks,” said Ngurare. Staffing and capacity boostsTo handle the large number of claims and speed up processing, the OPM relies on a core team within the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management. This team includes two accountants, two senior accountants, one chief accountant, and a deputy director. They are responsible not only for drought subsidy payments but also for other disaster-related finance functions, such as food aid procurement and maintaining financial records.Recognising the mounting workload, the OPM has supplemented this team with 16 additional accountants from the broader finance division. These staff members work after hours on an overtime basis to help process drought claims more efficiently.Furthermore, the OPM has requested approval from the Public Service Commission to temporarily hire graduates and interns to assist with the claims process. This initiative is not only aimed at improving service delivery but also contributes to youth empowerment and short-term employment creation.Decentralisation not within OPM mandateResponding to questions about whether subsidy payments could be decentralised to regional councils to reduce waiting times, Ngurare clarified that such a move would fall under the responsibility of the MAFWLR.He explained that the OPM’s role is limited to facilitating payment once claims are approved. The MAFWLR is the implementing authority and is also responsible for budgeting and regional service delivery through its extension offices.Looking aheadWhile acknowledging the areas in need of improvement, Ngurare emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring drought-affected farmers receive support as quickly and efficiently as possible.He urged farmers to ensure applications are complete and accurate before submission to reduce delays adding that they are continuously refining the process to improve turnaround times and better serve those affected by drought.

Over N$101m paid to farmers through drought relief programme

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Over N$101m paid to farmers through drought relief programme

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