Kaviveterue Virere
Farmers were encouraged to use organic and agroecological practices during a recent visit of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources visit to Farm Krumhuk on the outskirts of Windhoek.
Members of the committee visited Farm Krumhuk to explored organic agricultural practices and held talks with the representatives of Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF) and the Namibia Organic Association (NOA).
Namibia’s desert and semi-desert conditions leave the country particularly vulnerable to environmental shocks. Overgrazing, excessive use of chemical fertilisers, and poor soil management have left many areas degraded.
The superseding theme of the talks was that traditional farming methods are no longer sustainable and viable.
Mareike Voigts, chairperson of the Namibia Organic Association, warned the committee that if Namibia keeps relying on resource-intensive farming, it could jeopardise its food security. “The planetary boundaries are overstretched at this time. “We are already feeling the effects of the climate catastrophe, biodiversity is dwindling, and soils are being depleted. Organic and agroecological farming is not merely a choice; it is essential for a nation as vulnerable as Namibia,” Voigts stated.
“Organic certification opens up markets for farmers and guarantees credibility for consumers,” she stated. But certification procedures may be expensive, particularly for small-scale companies, she admitted.
In response, Namibia Organic Association has been advocating for the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), a more cost-effective, locally based certification process that fosters confidence between buyers and farmers.
Freelance consultant Vehaka Tjimune said Namibia needs to rethink its approach to agriculture by prioritising knowledge-sharing and collective responsibility.
“Agroecology is not only about changing farming techniques, but about changing mindsets. “Farmers must learn from one another, adapt practices to their local environments, and see agriculture as part of a wider ecological and social system. It is about building resilience together rather than chasing quick profits,” Tjimune said.
Member of Parliament Vetaruhe Kandorozu, a committee member, stated that the government must do its share to raise awareness of sustainable practices. While praising NOA and NNF’s partnership, he maintained that additional work was required to reach farmers in rural areas.
“I have implored the Namibia Nature Foundation to raise awareness of its methods among farmers,” Kandorozu said.
“If we want to improve the agricultural sector, then farmers must be equipped with practical knowledge about soil fertility, water harvesting, and organic methods. Parliament will also need to consider how policy can support these efforts.”
The delegation was shown a variety of sustainable agricultural methods that Krumhuk farm already employs during the tour. These included applying biochar to deteriorated soils, composting, crop rotation, and green manure. Additionally, it was noted that water harvesting devices are essential for farmers who work in areas that are prone to drought. Livestock integration was presented as another effective practice. By recycling food waste through pigs and chickens or using cow dung as fertiliser, farmers can close the nutrient cycle and reduce dependence on synthetic inputs. Value-added processing of organic produce into market-ready goods was also identified as a way to strengthen local economies.
While acknowledging these difficulties, Voigts advised lawmakers to keep the larger picture in mind. According to her, “organic farming secures our soils, our water, and our communities for the long run, even though it may not yield immediate profits in the first season.” “That is how true agricultural success is measured.”
The tour ended with a request for more robust collaborations between farming communities, civic society, and the government. Stakeholders concurred that Namibia cannot afford to forego its natural resources in the sake of temporary financial gain.
The committee members pledged to take the concerns and recommendations raised at Krumhuk into account as they continue their oversight work on Namibia’s natural resources. For many present, the visit marked an important step in bringing sustainable agriculture into the national policy conversation.
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Photo: Heather Erdmann