By Petronella Sibeene
WINDHOEK
A feasibility study on a popular trend in addressing the pressing challenges of hunger and poverty – fish-farming – was recently extended to the Omaheke Region by the government through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
Regional Councillors in that area were last week introduced to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources’ consultants who will investigate the possibility of fish-farming at several places.
The Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Kilus Nguvauva, introduced consultants to conducting the aquaculture feasibility study, after which the region will see aquaculture projects taking off for the upliftment of the beneficiary communities.
Although Nguvauva could not indicate for how long the study would take place and the anticipated waiting period before these projects start, he stated that the consultants would be in the region from this month until next month.
He added that his ministry intends investigating the possibility of fish-farming in the Omaheke where there is great potential for such ventures.
If fish-farming is feasible in this region, the deputy minister assured, the ministry together with the regional council and other stakeholders will facilitate the development of projects for the benefit of marginalized-affected communities.
Nguvauva is also visiting the Karas and Hardap regions where such projects are already in existence, though on a small scale. He says he is in these two other regions to find out the constraints and also the progress made with regard to the projects.
“The aim of our ministry is to empower the communities to be self-sufficient in food-production and to derive income from natural resources, especially in rural areas”, he said. That is because the aquaculture industry has been identified as one of the government priorities for Vision 2030, NDP2 and NDP3 currently under formulation, he added.
Other benefits from such projects, according to Nguvauva, are the creation of the much-needed job opportunities.
Considering that the ministry is spearheading the aquaculture development in all 13 regions of the country, Nguvauva says the ministry will take lessons from other other regions where such projects are already thriving.
Aquaculture establishments exist in Oshikoto, Ohangwena, Oshana and Otjozondjupa.
The industry has become a stimulant for Namibians to engage in a cheaper and more efficient means of production, the deputy minister said.
Before independence, most Namibians – especially in areas such as the Omaheke – were cultured to eating red meat but today, Nguvauva stated, people are health-conscious and have resorted to eating more fish than red meat.
Experts in aquaculture have argued that the industry in the modern world has changed the lives of many people with a global yearly income of about US$68 billion.
If the country has to attain Vision 2030, concerted efforts in aquaculture will have to be made.
The industry demands a high labour force, and thus, employment-creation is guaranteed, Special Adviser to the Minister, Alec Forbes, said.