Namibia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform recently convened a five-day planning workshop in Windhoek to tackle the nation’s agricultural challenges. The event gathered stakeholders to strategise solutions amidst mounting climate challenges.
Minister Carl Schlettwein highlighted the sector’s crucial role in supporting 70% of the population, emphasizing the need for serious implementation of programs, particularly in providing essential services like water access to rural communities.
“It is common knowledge that about 70 percent of the population directly and indirectly depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. This is a reminder to us all to take this sector and its programs very seriously and to thoroughly implement them,” said Minister Schlettwein, underscoring the transformative impact of providing essential services like water access to rural communities.
Key concerns included looming food insecurity due to predicted crop failures, exacerbated by below-normal rainfall and erratic weather patterns. Namibia is expected to face severe food shortages, necessitating cereal imports from outside the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region.
Discussion also centered on balancing budgetary constraints with resource allocation priorities for the upcoming fiscal year. While capital expenditure increased, operational budget cuts raised concerns about service delivery to farmers and stakeholders.
Priority projects identified encompassed agricultural production, infrastructure development, and land reform initiatives to address historical inequalities. Plans for expanding water resource management and infrastructure aimed at ensuring water security for all were outlined.
Minister Schlettwein emphasized the importance of timely implementation and effective coordination of ministry programs. International support and collaboration were called upon to assist Namibia in navigating these challenges and building a more resilient agricultural sector.
