Government, through the agriculture ministry, will establish small-scale agricultural processing facilities in all 14 regions of the country, line minister Calle Schlettwein recently announced. 

This was shared during the launch of the Strategy for the Transformation of the Agri-Food Sector (STAS) and the signing of the Namibian Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Compact in Windhoek. 

The CAADP Compact is part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to eliminate hunger and reduce poverty. 

Schlettwein said the Namibian government will construct small-scale agro-processing facilities over the next five years as part of the national agri-food sector strategy to transform and integrate small-scale farmers, cooperatives, women and youth groups into the mainstream of the agri-food sector business. 

“These facilities will be equipped with agro-processing machinery and equipment and will be rented out to the target beneficiaries at affordable rates. 

“This initiative stems from the government’s responsibility and commitment towards inclusive growth,” the minister said. 

As a signatory to the Malabo Declaration, Schlettwein said Namibia is committed to implementing the CAADP, which requires member states to develop National Agriculture Investment Plans and sign the CAADP Compact. 

“In ensuring compliance with this commitment, our ministry, as the custodian of the agriculture, water and land-related sectors, spearheaded the formulation of the strategy for the transformation of the agri-food sector in collaboration with key role players in the sector,” he said. 

He also announced the establishment of the Agri-food Sector Working Groups as part of the STAS. 

“I would like to draw your attention to the provision made in the strategy for the establishment of the Agri-food Sector Working Groups. These working groups will be co-chaired by representatives from the government and the private sector,” he said. – Nampa