KATIMA MULILO – Zambezi Regional Council chairperson, Warden Simushi, has raised concern over thousands of hectares of fertile land in the region that remain unutilised, while small-scale farmers continue to struggle without proper market support.
Speaking on the region’s agricultural potential, Simushi stressed that Zambezi has some of the most productive soils in Namibia, describing it as the “breadbasket of Namibia.” He urged the ministry of agriculture to prioritise investment and development in the area, noting that land acquired as far back as 2011 is still lying idle.
“We have soil in the Zambezi region which is not comparable to any other region in Namibia, but it is not yet utilised. The land allocated in 2011 is still unused. I am calling on the minister of agriculture to relook into the matter, because we have thousands and thousands of hectares unutilised,” Simushi said.
He highlighted several key areas earmarked for agricultural development, which were donated by the four traditional authorities years ago but remain idle.
These include 10 000 hectares in Kabbe North constituency, while in Katima Mulilo Rural constituency at Muyako, government was given 1 000 hectares. In the same constituency at Ibbu area, government also received 1 000 hectares, adjacent to the famous Lake Liambezi. At Liselo in Katima Rural, another 10 000 hectares were allocated, while an additional 2 500 hectares along the Zambezi River were meant for agricultural development.
Meanwhile, in Kongola constituency, government was allocated 5 000 hectares at Singalamwe, among others. Yet, despite the availability of land, most projects have not materialised.
Adding to the challenge, Simushi pointed out the absence of a produce hub in the Zambezi region. Unlike Kavango East, which has a functioning hub in Rundu, Zambezi farmers have no central point to sell or store their produce – leaving much of it to rot due to poor market access.
“Our small-scale farmers are suffering. Their produce gets rotten. We should put a proper system in place so farmers don’t suffer when it comes to selling. Talking without implementation won’t help the masses,” he said.
Simushi reiterated that Namibia’s long-term food security depends on fully utilising Zambezi’s agricultural potential. Without urgent intervention, he warned, the country will remain heavily dependent on food imports despite having fertile land ready for production.