Auleria Wakudumo
Okongo constituency has set a shining example of how communities can turn vision into reality by answering the President’s call for Namibians to embrace agriculture. With fertile soil and large cattle numbers, the constituency has revived long forgotten projects and created new initiatives that are producing food, generating income and empowering local communities.
Most of these projects were revived from 2020, when the constituency councillor Efraim Shipindo took office. Since then, his leadership has been marked by efforts to restore collapsed initiatives, introduce new ones and engage communities to participate in agriculture at all levels.
“Our constituency is blessed with fertile land, and our people have shown commitment by reviving projects that bring both food and income,” Shipindo said.
Shipindo further stated that his hope is to see every household in Okongo with a backyard garden. He added that his office continues to work with schools and clinics to promote backyard gardening as a sustainable way to boost nutrition and reduce household expenses.
One of the major success stories is the Ondevahoma Kraal. Once on the verge of collapse but now fully revived. Monthly cattle auctions are being held and with the introduction of a livestock scale, buyers can no longer rely only on appearances but on actual weight. This has boosted farmers’ confidence and ensured fair pricing.
“As we speak, revenue is coming in and sales are going well,” Shipindo noted.
Crop production is also thriving. The Onehanga Project, revived after community requests produced up to seven tons of Mahangu this year.
The Olukula Clinic Project focuses on eggs and vegetables, encouraging the community to adopt backyard gardens while still selling its products to the residence.
At Omauni Carpentry and Vegetable project, vegetable farming is supported with shade nets and cold storage facilities.
The project has also partnered with Eenhana Vocational Training Centre to give students practical carpentry skills, producing tables and chairs for the local market.
Meanwhile, the Oshalambe Open Market, still under construction, will soon provide a trading space for small-scale farmers to sell chickens, vegetables, and other produce.
The Onehanga Mushroom Project is also nearing its launch, with workers’ accommodation complete and the plantation phase about to begin.
Shipindo said the transformation reflects the resilience and commitment of the people.
Through these efforts, Okongo Constituency is not only securing food and income for its residents but also creating opportunities for employment, education, and sustainable development.
The revival of projects and the push for backyard gardens stand as proof that with fertile land, unity, and vision, agriculture can transform communities
Despite these successes, infrastructure remains a challenge. Councillor Shipindo noted that Okongo has only one main tarred road, linking Eenhana–Okongo to Nkurenkuru.
“We do not have any gravel road leading to schools or clinics in the constituency. We have already contacted the Roads Authority, and we will be the happiest if we even get a single gravel road,” he said.