Julia Kamarenga
The first-ever Omaheke Agriculture and Food Expo has come to an end, amidst various challenges.
Although some crop farmers held views that they were not well-prepared for the expo as it is not one of the best seasons for crop yields, they expressed gratitude for the conference, which was lined up with educational sessions and other presentations that would help them in their ventures.
Themed ‘Investing in Agriculture for Food and Improved Nutrition’, the ConfEx, held from 28-30 July, was aimed to create opportunities for efficient and effective communication channels
that would benefit businesses, farmers and participants through networking and showcasing their products.
The region, in a quest to support the national development agenda, sought innovative ways and means that would contribute to food production and food security.
Governor Pijoo Nganate urged farmers to add value to their produce, and to put their products on market shelves to ensure long-term food security.
He said producers of various food items could use the available opportunities and initiatives to educate themselves and market their products and services in order to better their lives and those of the general end- users.
In a speech read on his behalf,
United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) country director George Fedha said food and nutrition are fundamental aspects of humanity, which is why government endeavours, through various initiatives such as those supported by the WFP to guarantee food security, are key.
He added that forging efforts by bringing together smallholder farmers through platforms such as the Agri-Food ConfEx is a stepping stone to alleviate household food insecurity and ensure market access for self-sustainability.
Fedha also emphasised the fact that the WFP continues to give support to the region to intensify the production of quality nutritious food, as well as the piloting of the home-grown school-feeding programme and soup kitchens which are feeding vulnerable children under the age of five.
The event was open to livestock and crop farmers, government ministries, the corporate world and general businesses, but attracted a minimal number of exhibitors and farmers.