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WINDHOEK,
This is dampening prospects of increased yields this year.
The positive weather, while conducive for crops , has created a favourable environment for insect breeding and multiplication.
This has fuelled infestations of the African Migratory Locust (AML), Red Locust and Brown Locust mainly in the southern parts of the country.
Outbreaks of the locusts were first detected in early 2020, remain a threat to crop and pasture production in 2021.
Reports from the Southern African country indicate that the number of AML swarms have increased between January and April 2021.
The government of President Hage Gengob is currently responding to the pestilence, with support from Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
GIEWS Country Brief: Namibia 30-April-2021
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FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT
Cereal production forecast at above‑average level in 2021, but lower than last year due to localized abnormal dryness and localized locust infestations
Livestock production anticipated average to above‑average levels
Cereal imports in 2021/22 forecast to decline for second consecutive year
Prices of maize meal at high levels in early 2021 due to seasonally tight supplies and increased import costs
High prevalence of food insecurity in early 2021
Cereal production forecast at above‑average level in 2021
Harvesting of the 2021 main cereal crops, mainly maize and millet, is expected to start in May. Cereal crops are currently at grain filling stage and vegetation conditions are generally favourable. Production is anticipated at an above‑average level of 165 000 tonnes, slightly below the previous year’s level, reflecting expected production declines in the northwest.