Factor analysis of pearl millet crop deficit in the four regions of northern Namibia

Abstract

Abstract by author:

The research seeks to determine and ascertain the magnitude and factors of deficit of pearl millet production in terms of the amount required for consumption. It also explores the levels of imports and the trends over a period of ten years to see whether there is an improvement in the food security situation in the communal areas, which mainly grow pearl millet since national deficit is always covered by imports of maize and no imports of pearl millet into Namibia. It was found out that there is deficit at household level though when average is taken at regional level, the deficit is absorbed. The main cause of deficit of pearl millet at household level is land shortage. Those who are prone to food shortages are poor families with as little as less than 1, 5 hectares of land and have very large families in some cases more than 12 members