Zebaldt Ngaruka
OTJOMBINDE- Agricultural events such as the recent Otjombinde Farmers Demo Inter-Regional Agricultural and Industrial Show do not only serve as platforms for farmers to exchange ideas and best practices, but are also important platforms to advance grassroots agricultural transformation and community resilience.
This was the message delivered by agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani, in a speech read on her behalf by deputy minister Ruthy Masake at the opening of the show held at Tallismanus in Omaheke region’s Otjombinde constituency recently.
With Namibia having recently launched its sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), the minister said the Otjombinde Farmers Demo Inter-Regional Agricultural and Industrial Show speaks perfectly the government’s aspirations which seek the empowerment of communities and food self-sufficiency through agriculture.
“Your efforts are timely and fully aligned with the recently launched NDP6, Namibia’s strategic roadmap for sustainable and inclusive development between 2025 and 2030. NDP6 places agriculture at the centre of Namibia’s strategy to build a productive, resilient, and inclusive economy. It identifies food security, agricultural innovation, rural development, and climate adaptation as key levers for unlocking broad-based prosperity. In this regard, events such as this agricultural and industrial show are not merely exhibitions, they are instruments of national development. This aligns with NDP6’s call to ‘leave no region behind’ in the pursuit of national progress,” she said.
The minister added that the show embodies several critical pillars of NDP6, including sustainable and inclusive economic growth by promoting agri-enterprises, farmer cooperatives, and value chain linkages that support rural livelihoods and stimulate local economies under pillar 1.
NDP6’s pillar 2 speaks of human capital and innovation by empowering youth, women, and small-scale producers with a platform to share skills, technologies, and indigenous knowledge systems, while pillar 3 touches on environmental sustainability and resilience through the promotion of drought-resilient livestock breeds, climate-smart agricultural practices, and sustainable rangeland management.
Pillar 4 focuses on social transformation and rural inclusion by strengthening the voice and visibility of rural communities in the national development agenda.
“This event, with its focus on livestock exhibitions, indigenous foods, local breeds, cultural displays, and knowledge exchange, is a practical demonstration of what NDP6 calls a ‘localized approach to development through community-driven innovation’. We are committed to expanding the reach of livestock improvement programmes and disease surveillance. We will facilitate land access, finance and markets, especially for women and youth in communal areas…”
“To the farmers and organisers, may your efforts continue to grow, inspire, and influence. You are doing more than growing crops or raising animals. You are feeding a nation, preserving culture, creating jobs, and building the foundation of a future-proof economy. We also support the show’s goal of bridging the rural-urban divide by showcasing the deep connection between farming, food, culture, and economic growth,” she stated.
Meanwhile, the show also saw young and veteran farmers walking away with great prizes in the various categories, with Aminuis’ farmer Mbamana Katuuo winning the Ram Sheep Award after his Van Rooi Ram finished top.
Young farmer Tjuu Kaunatjike from Epukiro took the same accolade in the ewe category with his Meatmaster sheep breed, while the goats category saw Oriveka Farming of Undjakuje Tjimbundu based in Aminuis scooping awards in both the Boer Goat billy and emerging ewe divisions.
In the cattle category, M’cloud Marenga’s white Brahman cow from Eiseb Block won the female category, while a Simbra belonging to Uakumbua Kahorere from Otjombinde was crowned the champion of champions in the bull category.
– zngaruka@yahoo.com