Unam graduate Hilya Amvula turned her love for agriculture into a livelihood and now rears pigs for the local market.

The 27-year-old, who holds a master’s degree in horticulture, did not want to end up on the streets like other unemployed graduates; hence, she ventured into pig farming in 2019.

She started farming with 17 pigs, and the number grew to 36. Today, she runs NaNi Agri Produce with the assistance of her 37-year-old brother Steven Silavinus at the Omaku village.

Amvula indicated that establishing her pig farm came from inspiration from her grandmother Kuku Saara Elago, who believed that one does not always have to wait on an opportunity but rather create it. 

“I started working with my grandmother on her agricultural projects, but she was against pig farming. I then decided to branch out and establish my own pig farming project,” she said.

In 2021, she applied for fund assistance from Debmarine and was awarded N$40 000 to expand her business. She then moved from the Omakange village to the Omaku village.

Amvula said the move was motivated by the growing number of customers, who are mostly from Outapi and Okahao.

“I have received many calls from different companies, including Ranny Group company, requesting me to start supplying pigs to them. However, I am unable, since I don’t have enough pigs to supply,” she said.

Amvula wants to reach 100% production capacity and also employ other youth. She added that she understands the pain of being a graduate, struggling to make it in life, and thus hopes to create employment for others.

Apart from running her pig farming business, Amvula also makes time to empower other youths who are passionate about pig farming.

“I have managed to train about 100 young people and visited six farms, offering training to the workers,” she said.

- fhamalwa@nepc.com.na