KEETMANSHOOP – IIKharas governor Aletha Frederick says there is a growing need for farmers to diversify, realign and modernise their operations, especially in the face of the ongoing drought that has ravaged farming activities countrywide.
Speaking to farmers at the recent Resettlement Farmers’ Day in Keetmanshoop, she said she is pleased to see that resettled farmers have established a day of their own and a platform to facilitate the sharing of valuable information around productive farming, and the diversification of agricultural practices in response to the ever-changing environmental conditions.
The event was attended by members of the IIKharas Resettled Farmers Association (KRFA), experts from the agriculture ministry, and budding farmers in the region.
“We as policy implementers should ensure all government policies and programmes intended to alleviate the effects of the drought are implemented timeously and effectively for the benefit of the most-affected farming communities,” she said.
The governor suggested that with the time-consuming processes of assisting drought-hit resettled farmers, the line minister should consider delegating limited powers to chairpersons of the regional resettlement committees.
“I would like to propose the establishment of a delegation that will enable us to swiftly respond to urgent requests for emergency grazing on resettlement farms, in alignment with the sub-leasing guidelines, as we continue to face the challenges posed by the ongoing drought, “ she said.
She expressed confidence that should the minister grant this request, it would smoothen the rigorous process of monitoring the implementation of government policies, especially assistance to struggling farmers.
“Diversification is also crucial for adapting to global adversities, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers should optimise the platform created for exchanging ideas, learning from each other, and engaging stakeholders and managers from government to garner the necessary guidance and support.”
KRFA chairperson Sophia Motinga said since the establishment of the association in 2019, the entity has not only carried out a series of training and information-sharing events, but also built and maintained excellent working relationships with key stakeholders.
“Highlighting issues that are not only critical but also hampering success in our farming enterprises, remains key. Some of the problems we face is access to water, rehabilitation of fencing infrastructure, and decentralisation of the budget and freehold land ownership, among others. Hence, we are urgently appealing to the line ministry to relook this, and address our concerns,” she appealed.
Motinga added that most resettlement farms acquired by government are not well-developed and most of them have ageing infrastructure.
In terms of freehold land ownership, she said as farmers, they are very excited about the possibility of becoming beneficiaries of the programme, and hence more information is needed. ohembapu@nepc.com.na