Chinchimani:Zambezi Governor Dorothy Kabula-Simushi has urged crop farmers to conserve some of their produce in anticipation of possible El Ni±o conditions during the 2026/27 agricultural season.

According to Namibia Press Agency , Kabula-Simushi spoke at the 2026 annual Lusata Cultural Festival of the Mafwe Traditional Authority in Chinchimani, highlighting forecasts of high risk for below-normal rainfall and elevated temperatures. She advised crop producers to store part of their grain harvest to mitigate potential drought impacts.

The governor also expressed concern over declining fish stocks, particularly the Zambezi bream, and urged fishers to adhere to conservation measures. Additionally, Kabula-Simushi addressed the rise in malaria cases, noting 21 deaths this year compared to 19 last year. She attributed the increase to some residents' refusal of indoor residual spraying and appealed for cooperation with the spraying program.

Kabula-Simushi reported 30,049 malaria cases recorded between January and September 20, 2026, compared to 25,716 cases in the same period in 2025. She emphasized the need for peace and stability to foster investment and development, urging unity and cultural pride preservation.

The festival saw attendance from political leaders, traditional authority representatives, and delegates from Botswana, with Zambia's Western Province represented by Senior Chief Anang'anga Imwiko. Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa delivered the keynote address on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.