OTJIWARONGO – Namibia and Kenya have the potential to become formidable partners on the agricultural front, especially as the two countries already have signed a memorandum of understanding for agricultural cooperation, the Kenyan High Commissioner to Namibia, Peter Gitau, said at the Okamatapati Agricultural Show in Otjiwarongo on Saturday.
Gitau said the Okamatapati Show stimulates the marketing of animals from communal and emerging farmers, stressing the importance of diversification such as producing own fodder for Namibian livestock and the importance of feedlots and abattoirs as well as impeccable veterinary services.
“The livestock industry can be fragile and Namibia is prone to droughts like the one of last year. The country has vast natural and human resources and the potential to be self-sufficient and become a leading exporter in Africa. Kenya and Namibia have enjoyed solid relations since the independence of Namibia and a combined breeding programme of Brahman and Boran cattle from Kenya could produce cattle to fit in with the visions of both countries in the near future,” he noted.
Jeaneth Kuhanga, Chief Regional Officer of the Otjozondudjupa Regional Council, urged Namibian livestock and crop producers to unify under one big agricultural umbrella and become less dependent on imports and increase exports of all goods produced on Namibian soil.
Kuhanga described the Okamatapati Show, hosted by the Ongombe Farmers Association (OFA), as a very important window of opportunity and urged all producers to embrace the latest methods of good farming in order for government’s ultimate goal of the healthiest and best livestock herds in Africa.
“Namibian livestock producers are already very competitive but they must push the boundaries and excel at a greater speed in the next five years,” she said.
Ongombe Farmers Association Chairperson Alphons Vaja Zatjirua urged government to reach out more to communal farmers, who he says must enjoy the same privileges as resettled farmers.
“Resettled farmers enjoy the benefit of acquiring land for free from government for 99 years without contributing like struggling communal farmers have to do on small pieces of land and under difficult circumstances. Communal farmers stimulate the economy with their contributions and resettled farmers should do the same,” he urged.