Auleria Wakudumo

The King of the Ondonga Traditional Authority, Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, has shared his inspiring journey in promoting food production, urging Namibians to take the matter seriously and move towards self-sufficiency instead of relying on imports.

Nangolo revealed that his vision was inspired by his travels to countries such as China and Japan, where he observed how nations achieve self-sufficiency through local production.

“When I travelled abroad, I saw how countries like Japan feed their people through local production. That inspired me to take action back home. I realised that Namibia, too, has the potential to feed itself if we put our land to use,” he shared.

Motivated by that vision, the king allocated fertile land at Okashana Kuukongo waNehale for large-scale food production. The area, he noted, had been surveyed by the South African government before independence and was found suitable for growing almost any type of crop.

Nangolo told New Era that he decided to allocate land to capable and willing community members so they can produce food. Each received between 50 and 100 hectares.

“My goal is to end food poverty, not only in Ondonga but across Namibia,” he explained.

The king stressed that those allocated land must use it productively, stating that if someone fails to produce food for three years, the land will be taken back and given to another person who is ready to work.

Currently, 35 beneficiaries are farming successfully, producing crops such as potatoes, mahapu, maize meal, tomatoes, spinach, butternut squash, and more.

“I am proud that everyone who received land is producing food. This shows that with commitment and unity, we can secure our own food and build a hunger-free Namibia,” the king assured.

He called on other traditional authorities to adopt similar initiatives, adding that Namibians can no longer rely on other countries to feed them when they have the capacity to produce their own food. Even nations once regarded as Africa’s food baskets, like Zimbabwe, are no longer reliable sources.

“Food production must start at home, and traditional leaders are best positioned to drive this change,” he stated.

In support of the king’s initiative, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare commended Omukwaniilwa Nangolo for taking a proactive role in promoting food production and agricultural self-reliance among Namibians.

Speaking at a separate event at Onaanda Combined School in the Elim Constituency, Ngurare praised the Ondonga leader for setting a powerful example through his commitment to farming and food security initiatives.

Ngurare said the Ondonga king has shown true leadership by demonstrating that food production begins at home. He added that if all traditional authorities followed his example, Namibia would make significant progress towards ending food insecurity and achieving agricultural sustainability.

Ngurare further emphasised that food security must begin at the grassroots level, with every household playing a role.

“Let us produce our own food. Our traditional leaders hold the power to inspire change by leading their communities towards self-sufficiency,” he said.

The Prime Minister’s words echoed the national vision championed by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, who has called on all Namibians to prioritise local food production and reduce dependence on imports.

-wakudumoauleria@gmail.com