Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi has declared 2018/19 a drought year, APA learned Monday.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Boipelo Khumomatlhare said in a statement that the declaration follows consideration of the Drought and Household Food Security Assessment and Analysis Report.
“The assessment indicated that the 2018/19 rainfall season was characterised by rains which were poor both in space and time over most parts of the country during the first half of the season. Some districts did not even receive their onsets,” said Khumomatlhare.
He said the unevenly distributed rains, heat waves and dry spells that prevailed throughout the season resulted in lower hectarage planted and crop failure.
Khumomatlhare said livestock condition has decreased from good to fair and the condition is expected to deteriorate further looking at the current grazing and water situations.
“Furthermore, indications are that, livelihoods of a significant number of rural households remain vulnerable and thus the need for Government’s intervention,” said Khumomatlhare.
KO/as/APA