UUKWIYUUSHONA – Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein has called on farmers to consider a reorientation of agricultural priorities towards producing a diversity of nutritious foods to meet the population’s dietary requirements.
He said farmers should also consider, wherever possible, to engage in local small-scale aquaculture production as a source of livelihood and a vital source of food, supporting the nutritional needs of local communities.
“Addressing hunger, malnutrition and poverty remains a high priority on the agenda of the Government of the Republic of Namibia.
Therefore, the national high-level policies, namely the Constitution, Vision 2030, Harambee Prosperity Plan II (HPP II), Fifth National Development Plan (NDP 5) as well as sector policies clearly stipulate the Government’s resolve to eradicate hunger, malnutrition and poverty in Namibia,” he stated in a speech read on his behalf by the agriculture ministry’s executive director Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata during the celebration of World Food Day at Uukwiyuushona in the Oshana region on Saturday.
According to Schlettwein, the objective of commemorating the day is to promote worldwide awareness and action for the elimination of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.
Furthermore, water supply is an important element to ensure food security, particularly with respect to food production, preparation, hygiene and sanitation.
“Let us all hold hands, work together in solidarity and strive towards creating a better and more sustainable future for all, where no one is left behind. We should all be active players in this battle because together, we can fight poverty and hunger successfully,” he urged.
The representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation Lewis Hove said in order to accelerate food system transformation, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal on ending poverty, all stakeholders in the food and agriculture sector must adopt innovative and climate- smart agricultural practices to improve production and productivity, while achieving better environmental results for sustained production.
“Governments, scientists, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and farmers need to work together to make nutritious diets available and affordable for all,” he added. – fhamalwa@nepc.com.na