By: Dortea Nakandjibi
Someone recently asked me: “What’s the deal with agriculture in Namibia? Is it worth pursuing?”
Here’s the honest truth:
Namibia’s agriculture sector is both full of potential and facing major challenges.
Did you know that agriculture contributes around 6% (on average for the past five years) to our GDP yet employs approximately 22% of the population as of 2022?
That’s a LOT of people relying on an industry that’s vulnerable to droughts, climate change, volatility in monetary policy, poor infrastructure, and weak value chains.
Now, here’s the kicker: 70% of Namibia’s population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihood, primarily within the subsistence sector, meaning we mainly farm to survive, not to thrive.
Youth Participation?
Most young people still view agriculture as ‘old-fashioned’ or too risky. Old-fashioned? Not even close. Too risky? What isn’t?
Your Role?
Let’s stop seeing agriculture as just a “field” and start seeing it as a future. Whether you’re a farmer, a policymaker, or just someone who loves food, we all have a part to play.
Let’s innovate. Let’s inspire. Let’s transform!
What do you think could contribute to transforming agriculture in Namibia?
Dortea Nakandjibi is an agricultural economist and an agribusiness and value chain enthusiast. The views expressed herein are her own.
