Feature: Namibian farmers tune into radio for climate resilience amid changing weather patterns

Windhoek [Namibia], February 15: Climate change has brought unpredictable weather patterns to many parts of Namibia, leaving farmers struggling to produce enough yields. For Selma Andreas, a resident of a remote village in the Oshana region in northern Namibia, radio has become an essential tool in navigating her agricultural activities and livelihoods.
"Radio has been my hope for a way out," the 47-year-old said Friday.
In rural areas like hers, farmers depend on radio broadcasts for weather forecasts to supplement their traditional knowledge. For Andreas, this medium has been crucial for her new farming season.
"I learned how to make organic compost from plant residue and crop stalks, as we have limited cattle to produce enough manure, which we relied on in the past," she said.
Radio programs also guide her in managing her crops. "It rained yesterday. I had to work harder the day before to prepare my field before the weeds outgrow my crops, especially if the soil becomes too wet to work on," Andreas said.
For her, Kati FM, an indigenous-language radio station under the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, has been instrumental in enhancing her agricultural knowledge.
Andreas is not alone in her reliance on radio broadcasts. Hilda Shilongo, a 50-year-old resident from the Oshikoto region, northern Namibia, also turns to radio to guide her farming practices.
Three years ago, she tuned into a radio program where an agronomic official discussed how farmers could use improved seeds, weeding techniques, and proper post-harvest handling to ensure quality pearl millet grains that meet market standards.
She applied these methods the following year and saw a noticeable improvement in her harvest. Since then, she has continued listening to agricultural programs on the radio to enhance her knowledge.
Agatus Timo, an 87-year-old farmer from the Oshana region with over 50 years of farming experience, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including droughts, floods, and pests.
Thanks to radio programs, Timo has gained valuable knowledge which has eased the burden of climate challenges. According to him, beyond weather reports, radio also assists rural residents in accessing national services.
"It lets us know exactly where to get seeds and other agricultural services, such as government-subsidized plowing with tractors," he said.
The benefits of radio extend beyond farming. Aram Martin, councilor for Oshakati West Constituency, highlighted the crucial role radio plays in informing residents about drought relief distribution dates, which are critical to sustaining livelihoods.
Following a devastating drought last year, Namibia declared a state of emergency on May 22, 2024. According to John Mutorwa, Namibian deputy prime minister, the government has since rolled out emergency drought relief, benefiting about 1.4 million people.
According to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia, the country has about 40 broadcasting licensees, including public, commercial, and community radio stations, which play a vital role in bridging the information gap for rural farmers, helping them adapt to climate change and secure their livelihoods.
Source: Xinhua News Agency