SWAKOPMUND – The Hope Farm project has reached a milestone just a year after it was launched.
The farmers who received small livestock under the initiative, despite the challenging conditions and water shortage in Erongo, successfully increased their herds.
Farm Hope was launched in July last year. Swakop Uranium mine donated 630 goats and sheep to 48 beneficiaries in the Erongo region.
Each beneficiary under the programme received 20 livestock. Swakop Uranium, in total, awarded 1008 animals placed in the hands of various cooperatives, resulting in a thriving herd of 1 248 animals, distributed among 48 farmers – 22 women and 26 men – demonstrating the dedication and skill of the beneficiaries in managing their stock.
Revisiting the project to celebrate its success, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, said the project has delivered the desired success.
“When I see these results, I see more than numbers. I see resilience. I see determination. I see communities taking ownership of their development.”
She also praised the project’s revolving model, which requires beneficiaries to return a portion of livestock after two years to support new participants. Zaamwani said this approach transforms recipients into partners in empowerment.
Swakop Uranium CEO Wei Luo also commended the partnership between the private sector and government.
“This project exemplifies how public and private sectors can unite for a common purpose, empowering individuals, strengthening economies, and lifting entire communities out of poverty. It’s a model for sustainable development,” he said.
The CEO said the project aligns with Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), focusing on women, youth, and disadvantaged households to strengthen the rural economy and improve food security.
Chairperson of the Swakop Uranium foundation, Percy McCallum, also said that the project speaks volumes in terms of collaboration and shows that communities are willing to take ownership and make such initiatives a success.
“Today, we are not only celebrating livestock distribution, but we are also celebrating hope, responsibility, and progress. Together, we are building stronger households, stronger cooperatives, and a more resilient Namibia.”