Namibia is home to many communal areas under the administration of Traditional Authorities. The country’s aspirations of achieving food security and the crucial role of land in this endeavour, emphasise the influence of traditional authorities in overseeing land for agricultural production. For instance, during a recent potato harvest, Omukwaniilwa Fillemon Nangolo and the leadership of...
GOBABIS – For 26-year-old Gracell Goeieman, farming is more than just early morning errands in the kraal, cattle branding sessions and livestock herding; it is a profound natural calling and a pathway to create inter-generational equity. For a sector that has for centuries been male-dominated, Gracell is breaking down barriers and through hard work, discipline...
Farmers in Namibia face numerous challenges, including climate change. This is evident in the form of erratic rainfall, recurring droughts and crop and livestock losses. These have continuously led to financial losses for farmers across the country. As we navigate through the early days of 2024, farmers are encouraged to create resolutions that can transform their farming...
Namibia’s agricultural overall output remains low, as the country imported cereal grains worth about N$100 million during the first quarter of this year. This marks an increase of 66.3% when compared to the N$587.3 million recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024. Since the start of the year, Namibia has imported maize valued at N$659.2...
NDONGA LINENA – Chairperson of the Ndonga Linena Small-Scale Farmers (SSFs) Boysen Mutelo has complained that they feel sabotaged by those entrusted with managing key green scheme projects. This is because farmers have not yet received their fertilisers and seeds. Mutelo shared these grievances with Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka during a recent engagement. He...
Rangeland productivity is affected by several factors, including rainfall, soil condition, fire, herbivory and other ecological forces such as plant competition. In addition, human activities can have a significant effect on rangeland conditions. Ultimately, the adverse influence of these factors can disturb the normal ecological processes, leading to rangeland degradation. One of the recurrent factors...
Zebaldt Ngaruka The chairperson of the Otjimati Mini Agricultural Show, Charles Kukaurua Tjaronda, described the recent agricultural event as a resounding success and one that accorded farmers an opportunity to showcase their animals and exchange notes with their peers. Held from 3 to 6 July in Omaheke region’s Epukiro constituency, the show focused on small...
Many farming areas in Namibia have received significantly more rain in comparison to the previous season, recording above-average volumes. Moreover, rangeland productivity has improved in some areas, although the quality of the grazing materials is still not at its finest. Albeit livestock body conditions remain high (fat conditions). Furthermore, it should be noted that the...
Monika Amunyela A new chapter in climate-smart agriculture and youth empowerment was marked with the launch of AquaNam, a branch of the Impact Tank Group. The recent launch of AquaNam brought together stakeholders, farmers, financial partners, and innovators to showcase Namibia’s growing hydroponic and aquaponic farming ecosystems. It was also an opportunity to highlight the country’s...
Many farmers across Namibia have achieved substantial cereal grain yields due to the normal to above-normal rainfall received across the country. Currently, many smallholder farmers have commenced with threshing their grain for the common staple grains (Mahangu, maize and sorghum) and have engaged in preparations to store their grains for future use. However, annually, numerous...