Auleria Wakudumo
The dream of establishing a peanut butter processing industry in the Omaheke region has received a major boost after chief Tjinaani Maharero of the Maharero Traditional Authority allocated 95 hectares of land in Otjinene to support groundnut production to the government.
The allocation follows a recent call by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare for farmers in Otjinene and surrounding areas to embrace peanut butter manufacturing as a way of creating jobs, promoting value addition and strengthening local economies.
The land will be used to replicate the successful community garden project in Otjombinde constituency.
Local communities are expected to cultivate groundnuts that will supply a planned peanut butter processing factory in Otjinene.
The initiative has been welcomed as a powerful example of how traditional leaders, government and local communities can work together to drive development and create opportunities in rural areas.
During a visit to the allocated land, Ngurare praised Chief Maharero for responding swiftly to the call for agricultural development.
Ngurare emphasised the importance of adding value to locally produced agricultural products instead of exporting raw commodities.
“We have the land, the farmers and the determination. What is needed now is to add value to what we already produce so that our people can benefit economically and more employment opportunities can be created, especially for the youth,” he said.
The project forms part of the government’s broader vision of ensuring that every region develops industries linked to its unique strengths.
For Omaheke, agriculture remains one of the most promising sectors capable of generating employment, reducing poverty and improving food security.
The proposed peanut butter factory is expected to create a reliable market for local groundnut producers while encouraging increased agricultural production across the region. Farmers, youth groups and community members are anticipated to benefit from new opportunities in farming, processing, transportation and related support services.