OGONGO - Rice and poultry farming continue to gain popularity in northern Namibia, thanks to support from Unam’s Ogongo campus to students and local farmers.

This year, close to 25 tonnes of rice are expected to be harvested, an increase of about eight tonnes from last year after an expansion was made on the rice production field through assistance from Debmarine Namibia.

Omusati governor Erginus Endjala said there is a critical need for investment in research and innovation to develop climate-smart technologies and practices that can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture and livestock production

He stressed that the prolonged drought caused by insufficient rainfall has resulted in poor crop harvests, and poses a significant risk of extensive livestock losses due to insufficient grazing conditions.

“We are at a crucial junction as a country, where we need to commit to addressing food security,” he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Unam vice chancellor Kenneth Matengu said through innovative techniques and sustainable practices, the university aims to demonstrate how local seasonal wetlands can be harnessed to increase food security, and uplift local subsistence communities.

He indicated that in 2012, Unam embarked on the five-year Rice and Mahangu Project, through the assistance of the Japanese government and its Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“Through this initiative, the campus has trained local farmers in rice cultivation, and continues to provide ongoing support in rice processing, contributing significantly to agricultural development in the region,” he said.

In 2022, Debmarine Namibia supported the campus with N$750 000. Matengu noted that this contribution enabled the campus to procure essential rice and poultry equipment, including a water pump, irrigation pipes, rice seedling trays, incubators, pelleting machines, chicken cages, crates and a fertility tester. -Nampa