Hanks Saisai 

The rising focus on the growth of the agricultural sector in the country has sparked an increasing need for individuals, entities and SMEs to access instruments from lending institutions such as the Agricultural Bank of Namibia to set up, upscale or reinvest in their agribusinesses. 

In a nutshell, engaging in agriculture provides a good source of income that can sustain agribusiness ventures for generations to come. However, in order to reach such milestones, it is essential that one understands agricultural ventures’ funding dynamics. When an aspiring farmer intends to borrow funds from an institution such as Agribank that specialises in the funding of agricultural value chain activities, it becomes very important to know the following in order to plan carefully: 

Firstly, one should understand the
different loan products that Agribank offers to finance various agri-enterprises. This is crucial for a farmer planning to apply for financial assistance. Once loan products are understood, it is essential to know the different loan terms. Agribank has short-, medium-, and long-term loans. For example, if one borrows funds to purchase small stock or set up a poultry enterprise, the loan is classified as a medium-term loan with a six-year repayment period. 

The farmer must be aware of this, and ensure that production can cater for the loan repayment over the period of the loan. Another aspect that must be noted by farmers is that interest rates on loans range between 4% to 9%, according to different farmer types. Moreover, when planning loan repayments, farmers are urged to be cognisant of interest payable on a loan. 

Given current hikes in repo rates that can make loan repayments unaffordable, Agribank remains a good lender for farmers who are already vulnerable to high input costs. Furthermore, when one is successfully granted a loan by Agribank, it is worth noting that a grace period of about 12 months is accorded to farmers to engage in production before the first instalment is due. 

This offers the farmer sufficient time to focus on production, and be in a position to pay the loan with ease. Additionally, farmers are offered various repayment options: monthly payments, quarterly (every after three months), bi-annual (two repayment instalments in a year) or an annual (once a year) payment. This assists farmers to evaluate their financial position during production, and select the option that would best suit them. 

Once an option is selected by the farmer, it is essential to be aware of the instalment due date, and ensure that part of the
proceeds from the sales of the product cover required instalments. Moreover, when production goes well, farmers are urged to set aside a small amount for unforeseen circumstances such as drought as this may enable the farmer to remain up-to-date with their loan repayment, regardless of the challenges they face. 

Furthermore, farmers must adopt a reliable record-keeping mechanism as records related to your agricultural business will serve as added advantage when you are approaching financial institutions such as Agribank of Namibia for money. 

Finally, aspiring farmers are advised to equip themselves with basic knowledge, understanding and experience related to the agricultural enterprise they intend to set up. 

“Start small, but dream big” is an old but wise adage that can be applied in farming. To this end, using your limited resources to set up an agricultural business will give you hands-on experience before you borrow large sums of money to upscale the business. This minimises the risk of failure, as you are more equipped to manoeuvre challenges you may face along the way. 

In conclusion, always remember preparedness remains key when one intends to seize the opportunity to venture into agribusiness. If you are interested in knowing more about Agribank of Namibia’s loan products or services, you are encouraged to call 0612074111 or visit our website: www.agribank.com.na to view our products and service, or visit any of the nearest Agribank offices countrywide. 

Lastly, farmers are reminded that borrowing responsibly and being committed to honouring financial obligations enables financial institutions to extend credit to other farmers. This helps the nation to grow the agricultural sector and ensure food security for every Namibian.

* Hanks Saisai is Agribank Technical Advisor: Crops & Poultry