Lions terrorise Kunene …farmers cry foul over payouts

Auleria Wakudumo

Communal farmers in the Kunene region are calling for an urgent review of the government’s human-wildlife conflict offset payment scheme.

Farmers say the current payments for livestock killed by predators do not reflect the true value of their animals or the financial hardship they endure.

The appeal comes as communities in the villages of Oromauua and Otjokavare, near Etosha National Park in the Sesfontein and Opuwo Rural constituencies, report an increase in lion attacks on livestock.

The Otjikaambuti Farmers Association stated that lions have killed about 40 cattle and over 100 goats and sheep in the area since January this year. Farmers say the attacks have become so frequent that they now fear leaving their livestock to graze.

The most recent incidents occurred last week when a pregnant cow was killed, and a breeding bull escaped a lion attack with bruises across its body. Another cow was reportedly killed on Friday night, adding to the growing frustration among livestock owners.

Otjikaambuti Farmers Association Executive member Ketura Kavetu-Muzuma told New Era that farmers have reached a breaking point, continuing to suffer heavy losses with little relief.