Farmers in the Hardap region are facing severe challenges in accessing markets for their produce. These obstacles are leading to substantial losses for already-struggling farmers in the region.
Unomasa Kavita, an entrepreneur in collaboration with Impact Tank, is spearheading an initiative aimed at bridging the accessibility gap for local smallholder farmers. Launched in 2022, this transformative programme seeks to create reliable and accessible markets for Hardap farmers, who are grappling with malnutrition challenges.
Kavita emphasised the importance of this initiative: “You get farmers lose their goods because they go bad due to lack of proper storage facilities.”
The Hardap region is known for its immense agricultural potential, yet it struggles with malnutrition, which affects many residents. Recent statistics reveal that between January and August 2024, four children died and 188 people were admitted to medical facilities due to malnutrition.
With improved rainfall in the area, Kavita believes farmers can significantly enhance their output and market access. He said the initiative not only connects local farmers with consumers, but also ensures fair pricing, while reducing food waste through efficient distribution channels.
The programme, named Farm Fresh, aims to foster economic growth by empowering farmers to scale their operations and maintain consistent income streams. It promotes sustainability by encouraging environmentally-friendly practices, and providing a platform for high-quality, locally sourced products. By aggregating produce from various farmers, Farm Fresh increases market visibility for those who would otherwise struggle to compete individually.
This initiative also addresses food security in Hardap by supplying communities with nutritious produce while bolstering the local agricultural economy. Kavita also envisions introducing an urban farming initiative for horticulture production.
“I aim to collaborate with municipal councils to establish urban farming projects on available farmable land near towns like Stampriet and Mariental,” he stated. This initiative will focus on maximising land use, and managing water resources sustainably to ensure success. The key objectives include employing local youth and agriculture graduates, enhancing the local economy through increased agricultural output, and supplying fresh produce locally.
With these initiatives, he is optimistic about creating job opportunities, and contributing significantly to food security and economic growth in the Hardap region. By strengthening market access for smallholder farmers, he hopes to build a resilient food system that benefits both producers and consumers alike. -mndjavera@nepc.com.na