Namibia receives most of its rain between December and March. Mining ranks as Namibia's most important economic activity. The chief minerals are diamonds, uranium, copper, lead, tin, and zinc. Traditionally, farming, livestock raising, and fishing have also been important economic activities. But since the late 1970's, drought and other problems have reduced farming and livestock activities, and overfishing has reduced fishing in the Atlantic.
Most farmers grow only enough food crops for their own use.
The chief farm crops include corn, millet, and vegetables. Cattle and sheep are the most important livestock. The fishing industry yields anchovies, mackerel, and sardines. Little manufacturing takes place in Namibia. Namibia's leading exports include jewelry diamonds, uranium oxide, copper, lead, and zinc.