OGONGO – President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has expressed satisfaction with the ongoing research and food production being carried out at the University of Namibia’s Ogongo campus in Omusati region, saying the institution is setting an example for agricultural innovation in the country.

She stressed that Africans must focus more on research if they are to conquer hunger and poverty.

“If Africans cannot invest in research, they should forget about addressing poverty, because the answer lies in what we produce,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.

The President yesterday toured several projects at the campus, including rice fields currently being harvested, a poultry project, and the Agri-PV initiative, which combines farming with solar power generation. She commended the campus for combining education with production, saying this approach ensures both students and communities benefit.

The President further encouraged researchers not to be discouraged by the lack of equipment but to continue seeking solutions for food production. She also praised the institution for short courses offered to local farmers, saying this provides practical skills for rural communities to sustain themselves.

Agriculture, Water and Land Reform Minister Inge Zaamwani, who was accompanying the President, applauded Ogongo’s role in food security.

“Food production is the backbone of any economy. What we see here is proof that Namibia can achieve food sustainability if we continue investing in knowledge and innovation,” she said.

Ogongo director at Unam, Christopher Mberema, explained that food production at the Ogongo campus is the cornerstone of agricultural innovation and community development.

He said the campus plays a critical role in cultivating rice, poultry, and horticultural products that contribute to food security and research in Namibia.

“Ogongo is not only an academic hub but also a practical centre where students and farmers learn modern farming techniques,” he said.

He emphasised that agricultural research and training at the campus provide sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty, while also inspiring young people to pursue careers in agriculture.

 The campus is strategically located in the famous Cuvelai-Etosha basin of north-central Namibia, approximately 800km from the the capital Windhoek and roughly 50 kilometres from Oshakati.

The campus is on a 4 350-ha farm of which 1 000 ha is a game park. This offers a unique opportunity to conduct almost all student field practicals on campus and a further opportunity for research and community engagements in agriculture production and the management of natural resources.

The campus serves as a training and research hub, specialising in crop production, livestock and forestry, and continues to contribute to Namibia’s drive for food self-reliance.

vkaapanda@nepc.com.na