By Wezi Tjaronda WINDHOEK Committees of various farmers’ associations in the Omaheke Region have put their weight behind shows held at local level. The shows, they say, are a springboard for communal farmers to participate at more advanced shows such as those at regional level. The Omaheke Regional Farmers’ Union (ORFU) organized a meeting in Gobabis last weekend to evaluate mini shows, the regional show and to discuss other matters pertaining to the 4th Regional Show and the union’s Congress scheduled for May. Although the meeting, which comprised councillors, members of regional show committees, local show committees and ORFU, expressed concern over lack of financial support to enable them to hold shows, they said local shows should go ahead. Albert Mbingana, chairperson of the Show Committee of the Eiseb Farmers’ Association, said local shows were necessary even though at some point associations will have to graduate from them. The Chaka Show Committee said their association will have to hold shows many more times to bring about improvements in their farming activities. Naftalie Tjahuha of the East Epukiro Farmers’ Association was of the opinion that local shows give farmers an opportunity not only to market their animals but also to gain experience on livestock handling, dressing and judging. However, the thorny issue in organizing local shows has been financial support, which the associations said comes ‘too little and too late’. Representatives of various show committees said they could not organize successful shows without financial support, which was sometimes committed very late. Mbanjanda Katuamba, Show Chairperson of the Otjombinde Farmers Association, said late-coming of sponsorship discouraged participation of farmers in local shows, adding that even though associations need to commit money for such activities, beginners need support. “Beginners do not have money to contribute, and they need support,” he said. In some cases, the money that farmers win in prizes is way below what they have invested, thus discouraging them from taking part. Some associations have, however, started paying registration fees, offering transport and printing promotional items for participants as a way of motivating them. Local shows enable farmers to exhibit their livestock and therefore gain experience, which they need to participate at regional shows. Since local shows need additional funds to organize the local events, ORFU chairperson, Lesley Kauandara, said associations should commit money to sustain the activities. The meeting also noted that small stock and crops were not well represented at shows. “Farmers are not interested in promoting small stock. They only concentrate on cattle. We also do not call exhibitors from crop production, who too should participate because it is also a farming activity,” said one concerned participant.