WINDHOEK – People can effectively implement a strategy only when they clearly understand the strategy and how they contribute to its achievement. If managers and staff members do not understand their organisation’s strategies, how can management expect staff members to know how/what they do each week or month contribute to the achievement of the organisation?
That was the conclusion reached recently when the Agro Marketing and Trade Aganecy (AMTA) brought together a “Think Tank Team,” a group of specialists within the organisation to scrutinise the strategic objectives of the agency for the next five years, and to be trained on Performance Management Systems (PMS). In the next five years AMTA wants to establish stakeholder partnerships, build a reputable brand and agency, stimulate demand for local fresh produce, manage food reserves to support food security and be a sustainable, effective State Owned Enterprise (SOE).
AMTA’s mission is;
- To enhance food security and facilitate agricultural marketing and trade in Namibia,
- To efficiently manage Fresh Produce Business Hubs and the National Strategic Food Reserve,
- To promote industrialisation, value addition and standards compliance of agricultural products
Mr. Lungameni Lucas, Managing Director of AMTA, says: “This year marks exactly one year since inception. In that period, we were recruiting, training competent staff, organising, mobilising and training farmers to produce according to Good Agricultural Practices because we are introducing new ways which are best and beneficial for the marketing and trade of fresh produce. This of course requires a lot of consultations
and training and hand to hand guidance. We assed farmers and categorised them to produce as per market demand. AMTA together with AGRIBUSDEV developed a production calendar which enables farmers’ continuous production with no room for off season”.
The four day strategic workshop was facilitated by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC). The sessions included a visit to Sikondo Green Scheme, which is one of the green schemes supplying the most produce to both the Rundu and Ongwediva Hub. The training took place at the Rundu Fresh Produce Business Hub. Iinekela Kambindji, Regional Manager for the Rundu Hub expressed gratitude to the decision to host this important planning session at his hub saying that “Only when we familiarise ourselves with the work on the ground and the operations of the hubs, will we understand and plan better for the success of this project”. AMTA strategic plan for the next five years is available upon request at their regional hubs for the freshest variety of fresh produce.
By Deon Schlechter