Namibia’s wheat production has plummeted by 83.72% to just 2,984 tonnes in the 2024/2025 season due to severe drought conditions, forcing the country to import 126,654 tonnes to meet 97.7% of local demand, latest data reveals.
The Agronomy Producers Association (APA) Chairperson Gerhard Engelbrecht attributed the drastic decline to the low water levels at Hardap Dam, which led to the suspension of irrigation supply, crippling wheat cultivation.
“Namibia recorded a local wheat production of about 18,328 tonnes for 2023/2024, indicating a decrease of 25.8% from the 2022/2023 period, and a further 83.72% drop in the 2024/2025 period when only 2,984 tonnes of wheat was locally produced,” Engelbrecht said.
Despite the production slump, wheat prices have risen, with farmers earning an average of N$7,453.03 per tonne, reflecting a 6.88% increase from the previous season.
The drought has also impacted white maize production, which dropped by 51.84% in the 2024/2025 season to 32,280 tonnes. The Karst and Central regions were the hardest hit, with production falling by 52.6% and 29.9%, respectively. However, maize output in the South increased by 20.8%.
In response to declining supplies, white maize prices surged by 28.77% to N$7,386.06 per tonne, further straining consumers already facing rising food costs.
While wheat and maize yields suffered, the groundnut industry experienced a significant boost, with irrigated production soaring to 4,000 tonnes in the 2024/2025 season—a 233.33% increase. This shift reflects farmers’ efforts to diversify amid changing climate conditions and market demands.
“A good number of producers diversified to groundnut production, hence the estimated production increased significantly by 233.33%,” Engelbrecht noted.
Prices for groundnuts have reached N$17,000 per tonne, making it a lucrative alternative for farmers.
To assist struggling producers, the Namibia Agronomic Board, in collaboration with the Agronomy Producers’ Association, has introduced measures to ease financial strain. These include levy negotiations, transport refunds, and improved marketing strategies.
Additionally, Engelbrecht said ongoing research and soil testing initiatives aim to enhance future crop yields, while the APA is exploring genetically modified maize as a potential long-term solution to mitigate the effects of climate change on agriculture.
