Why has commercial farming in Namibia been vulnerable to drought?

Commercial farming in Namibia is highly vulnerable to drought primarily because water availability, rather than soil fertility, is the fundamental constraint on the country's agricultural sector.1

The nation experiences highly variable rainfall, and multiyear droughts are a common occurrence. Because the country lacks permanent rivers—with the exception of those along its borders—agriculture relies heavily on groundwater and seasonal water sources. This reliance is exacerbated by the overuse of land, which has led to soil compaction, increased erosion, and a significant decline in the water table over the 20th century.21

Consequently, commercial operations—which focus predominantly on the production of Karakul sheep and beef for export—face significant instability when these limited water resources are depleted by prolonged dry periods.31