The Red Cross has listed a number of villages in Botswana as those that are the hardest by drought which is expected to sweep through the country in the coming months. In a newly released report, the Red Cross says areas such as Lethakeng, Hukuntsi, Mabutsane, Shoshong, Boteti, Ghanzi, Okavango, North East, and Molepolole are the hardest hit by food insecurity, malnutrition, and high livestock mortality rates.
The Red Cross says a report from the Department of Crop Production in April 2024 highlighted severe damage to crops across the country, especially in the Kgalagadi (Hukuntsi and Mabutsane), North East, and Central Districts, which are the hottest regions.
It says the grazing situation has significantly deteriorated, with poor conditions reported in areas such as Serowe, Lethakeng, Mabutsane, Hukuntsi, and Mahalapye. Veld fires have further exacerbated the problem.
The severe drought has severely impacted the primary sources of income for both arable and livestock farmers, significantly affecting their livelihoods and ability to meet basic needs. Livestock farmers are facing acute water and forage shortages, leading to weakened animals and decreased milk production, reducing the value of livestock and forcing farmers to sell their animals to recover funds already invested. Agricultural losses contribute to decreased food production, rising food prices, and increased food insecurity.
Red Cross says unconditional multipurpose cash grants offer immediate financial relief to families and farmers, enabling them to purchase food, essential goods, and meet basic needs, ultimately improving food self-sufficiency.
The Red Cross says it will select a financial service provider for the cash distributions. It says providing financial assistance through unconditional multipurpose cash grants can offer immediate relief to farmers experiencing financial difficulties due to crop failures, livestock losses, and lack of basic needs.
“These funds can help families cover their essential needs, invest in productive assets, and stabilize their livelihoods during challenging times. Volunteers will be involved in assessments, beneficiary registration in the three districts, and post-distribution assessments,” it says.
The Red Cross says health recent reports from UNICEF Botswana (2023) and the Kgalagadi North District Disaster Risk Management Committee have highlighted concerning levels of malnutrition and food insecurity among children under 5 years old. The data shows high rates of wasting, stunting, and underweight, indicating a significant portion of the population is experiencing food insecurity worsened by persistent drought conditions. Poor feeding practices and limited access to nutritious food are key factors contributing to the prevalence of malnutrition in the area.
Furthermore, Red Cross says, drought has had adverse effects on mental health, as communities have suffered crop losses, livelihood disruptions, and agricultural setbacks. It is crucial that any intervention in this regard supports these affected individuals without inadvertently causing harm and ensures they are connected to appropriate resources. Water, Sanitation And Hygiene.
The Red Cross says most regions in Botswana have experienced extreme temperatures and minimal rainfall, leading to water scarcity. The prolonged droughts have reduced the frequency of rainfall, resulting in the depletion of surface and groundwater sources. Being a semi-desert country, Botswana relies heavily on limited surface water supplies, with most villages depending on wells, boreholes, and dams for water.
“The lack of rainfall, exacerbated by El Niño conditions, has led to below-average levels in dams and wells, leaving vulnerable communities with limited access to safe drinking water. This situation has created competition for water resources among humans, livestock, and wildlife, with the likely consequence of wells, boreholes, and dams drying up during the dry season, which extends until October,” says Red Cross.
It says villages such as Metsimantsho, New Xanagas, Mahotshwane, Makobo, Jamakata, Natale, Makopong, Kokotsha, Grootlaagte, Draaihoek, Xhumo, Dimajwe, Itholoke, Ngwatle, Zutshwa, Dibete, Tewane, Toromoja, Betesankwe, and Good Hope have transitioned from inadequate to stable water supply.
“Due to limited water sources, priority is given to water for cooking rather than for good hygiene practices like handwashing. The lack of proper hand hygiene can lead to health issues such as diarrhea. Therefore, there is a need to promote and educate communities about the importance of hygiene practices,” the report says.
