Urban and rural development minister Erastus Uutoni says leaders in their different capacities at all levels and spheres of government should continue devising strategies aimed at promoting food security and nutrition in the country.

He made this plea during the commemoration of Africa Decentralisation and Local Development Day last week in Keetmanshoop. 

He said when people migrate from rural to urban areas, agricultural activities lose their importance in terms of producing food and employment-creation. 

“Therefore, the agricultural sector can be used as a catalyst to enhance the rural economy through the empowerment of women as well as the youth through the production of food,” he advised. 

The minister said government should also dedicate all its efforts to facilitate intra-regional exports and imports, whereby people in rural areas should be able to produce and supply food to urban areas on a larger scale.  “This shall promote economic activities between urban and rural areas, at the same time contributing to economic growth and employment-creation,” he reasoned. Uutoni expressed his gratitude towards the representatives of the various institutions for the valuable perspectives that they have shared, as their messages have indeed highlighted the importance of making food security a key priority for regional development and cooperation.

//Kharas governor Aletha Frederick said Covid19 emphasised the fact that “Namibia is too dependent on imports, and does not sustainably produce enough to feed ourselves”. 

“It has taught us great lessons to put more effort into food systems to attain self-sustenance,” she noted. 

The governor reasoned that because of this, it is about time that people get their hands dirty with the soil and the provisions of Mother Earth as a means to feed themselves. 

“I am thus urging all responsible offices, ministries and agencies to ensure the population is given the necessary support to access adequate, affordable, safe, quality food and water to live a healthy and productive life, “she noted.

The main strategy of the 2022 edition of the day is to recognise local government and urban development experiences in dealing with issues of food security, and to showcase best-practice interventions as well as identifying challenges and prospects for improving food security levers across the continent.

The focus for this year’s theme is further dedicated to strengthening the fight against malnutrition in all its forms on the African continent, drawing on the potential of its population.