Despite ongoing efforts by both government and individual farmers to set up local apple production chains, Namibia remains a net importer after the country imported apples worth over a whopping N$35 million during the final quarter of last year alone. During the last quarter of 2024, apples were recorded as the second-highest imported horticulture product...
A good rainy season is one that starts at the anticipated time, is well- distributed throughout the season, and ultimately rehydrates the soil, refills water sources and replenishes vegetation. However, recent rainfall has been conspicuously erratic, causing concern for farmers. In addition, rainfall often comes with adverse conditions – lightning strikes, floods, mud traps, pests...
Lahja Nashuuta Resettled farmers in the Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Kunene and Erongo regions are calling for an increase in funding from Agribank. They claim that the current funding arrangement of N$200 000 for resettled farmers is insufficient to expand their agricultural operations. Additionally, the farmers in the four regions are demanding a more comprehensive support. This...
The Capricorn Foundation has thrown its weight behind the Plot to Plate project, a groundbreaking initiative that aims to boost sustainable food production and promote permaculture practices. On Friday, employees of Capricorn Group in their role as Changemakers, visited the Plot to Plate site in Groot Aub, a community project funded by the Capricorn Foundation,...
KEETMANSHOOP – For farmers in southern Namibia, farming is not just a hobby or leisure activity, but is a way of life, a vital means of survival. It has for generations been a gateway to a better life. Veteran farmer Nico Strauss, chairman of the Karasburg Streekslandbou Union, shared with AgriToday that most farmers in...
OMUTHIYA – An outbreak of lumpy skin disease has resulted in 196 reported cases and 43 cattle deaths in the Oshikoto region since November last year. Chief Animal Health Technician at the State veterinary office in Oshikoto Lumeta Lomboleni told Nampa on Thursday that the disease was first detected on 8 November 2024 in the...
Tomatoes are among the most popular crops cultivated across the globe. Maximising their potential requires farmers to understand the basics of growing them successfully and profitably. As the seasons transition from winter to spring, this presents conducive weather conditions for growing tomatoes. The starting point is for a farmer to understand that tomatoes have varying...
A slump in production and failure by local producers to meet domestic demand forced Namibia to import cereal grains worth over N$862.9 million. Maize, wheat and rice top the list of highest imported grains. The cereal grains were mainly imported from South Africa, which supplied about 61.1% of the country’s needs. Lithuania (20.0%) and United...
Through her garden and home kitchen, Florence Ndinda has managed to redefine the art of chilli production. She is now one of the country’s thriving suppliers of various flavoured chilli sauces and spices. The 42-year-old Ndinda, who runs a successful home garden and kitchen from Okatjoruu in the Okakarara constituency, has since 2019 ventured into...
Livestock, as a source of sustainable livelihood and alternative source of food, have remained an integral part of Namibia’s socio-economic fabric for decades. The sustained rise in per capita income and emerging new middle and high-income groups, particularly here in Namibia, are causing significant changes in food consumption patterns and creating heightened demand for livestock...