Namibian farmers are increasingly relying on radio as a vital tool for agricultural guidance amid the challenges posed by climate change. Key figures like Selma Andreas and Hilda Shilongo illustrate how radio broadcasts provide essential weather updates, farming techniques, and information on agricultural services. This medium serves to enhance their farming practices and access relief efforts amid environmental adversities.
Namibian farmers are facing challenges due to climate change, which has resulted in unpredictable weather patterns affecting their crop yields. For Selma Andreas from Oshana, radio serves as an essential resource for her agricultural practices. She now relies on radio broadcasts for weather updates that assist her in planning her farming activities effectively.
At 47 years old, Andreas considers radio a beacon of hope, declaring, “Radio has been my hope for a way out.” The medium has helped her adapt her farming methods, allowing her to learn new skills, such as producing organic compost due to limited access to manure from cattle.
Through local radio programs, farmers like Andreas receive crucial crop management guidance. For instance, she noted that timely updates about rainfall aid her in combating weed growth that can hinder her crops, stressing, “It rained yesterday. I had to work harder to prepare my field before the weeds outgrow my crops.”
Other farmers in the region similarly depend on radio. Hilda Shilongo, aged 50 from Oshikoto, learned about improved farming practices through a radio discussion, resulting in significant harvest improvements after applying the techniques discussed. Continuous listening to these programs helps farmers enhance their agricultural knowledge.
Agatus Timo, an experienced 87-year-old farmer, highlights how radio broadcasts have equipped him to tackle climate-related challenges such as drought and pests. He emphasizes that radio not only provides weather forecasts but also informs farmers about agricultural services, maximizing their access to essential resources for their crops.
Oshakati West Constituency councilor Aram Martin reinforces the importance of radio in disseminating information related to drought relief efforts vital for sustaining rural livelihoods. Following a state of emergency declared due to drought in May 2024, the government initiated relief measures aiding approximately 1.4 million people.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia states there are about 40 broadcasting licensees in the country, including community radio stations vital for supporting rural farmers’ adaptation to climate change effects and helping secure their livelihoods.
In summary, radio serves as a crucial lifeline for Namibian farmers grappling with the impacts of climate change. It provides access to vital weather forecasts, innovative agricultural techniques, and information on essential national services, enabling farmers to enhance their agricultural practices and adapt to shifting environmental conditions. The role of radio in supporting rural communities is evident, as it facilitates both knowledge sharing and access to resources critical for sustainable farming.
Original Source: english.news.cn
