Farmers in Gumare are facing mounting threats to their harvests as pest infestations continue to destroy crops across several farming areas, raising concerns about food security and the adequacy of current support mechanisms.
The issue was brought to the fore during a Kgotla meeting addressed by the Member of Parliament for Ngami, Phillimon Aaron, where farmers from Mavuyashire detailed the extent of damage to their fields.
One affected farmer, Kgakologelo Mogopi, said swarms of locusts have invaded farms, feeding on maize, groundnuts and melons. She explained that the insects strip crops of leaves and fruits, causing them to dry up and die. Mogopi noted that farmers experienced a similar challenge in the previous farming season and reported the matter to the Department of Crop Production at the time.
Farmers are now appealing for renewed government assistance, particularly the spraying of pesticides in affected fields and surrounding areas, a measure they say proved effective in the past.
Another farmer from Xhekedao, Kebuile Alobile, said rodents have also caused extensive damage, eating maize and melon crops and forcing farmers to replant. Alobile said many farmers lack the financial resources and technical capacity to manage pest outbreaks on their own and are therefore seeking government support.
Responding to the concerns, Okavango Crop Production Officer Boikanyo Moalafi explained that government intervention is limited to specific pests that pose a major threat to agriculture. These include the African Migratory Locust, quelea birds and the armyworm, which are known for widespread crop destruction.
Moalafi said other pests including certain locust species, worms, beetles and rodents fall outside the scope of government-controlled pests and remain the responsibility of individual farmers. However, he said the department continues to assist farmers by offering guidance on pest management, including the use of chemical pesticides and traditional control methods.
Although the locust species currently affecting Gumare farms is not among those targeted for government spraying, Moalafi said crop production officers are assessing conditions in various farming areas. He said reports will be submitted to departmental leadership as they await guidance on possible interventions. Farmers were also encouraged to enrol in the Lemang Dijo programme, which includes support for pest management.
Meanwhile, MP Aaron expressed concern over the scale of crop damage in the constituency, noting that delays in the release of constituency development funds have limited the implementation of some planned interventions. He, however, expressed optimism that the rehabilitation of the Gumare dike between this year and next could help improve farming conditions in the area.
