By: Nghiinomenwa Erastus
Interested farmers that would like to be trained in agricultural-related topics are advised to organise themselves in a group of 15 people or more and contact the Agribank for training.
The training is free, and the bank will absorb all the costs.
The bank’s spokesperson Filemon Nangonya explained last week.
Nagoya told The Villager that youth and women around the country, whether they are Agribank clients or not, can group themselves and choose the specific topics they want to be trained on.
He said there is no limit in agricultural topics to be covered as the bank will solicit experts from its stakeholders.
“Any agricultural topic can be considered. Where we don’t have the capacity, we rope in the agriculture ministry and the veterinary officials,” he said.
The training is not just limited to those that have started, but even start-ups who are still planning to venture into ‘Agri-preneur’ are welcome to team up and arrange for training before they risk their capital.
Nangonya also added that those who want to be trained do not need to be confined to a specific place as the training can be given anywhere in the country as the bank technical advisors are mobile and able.
As a development finance institution, the Agricultural Bank does not only lend money to promote agriculture and related activities, but the bank is also responsible for the provision of agri-advisory services to farmers.
Therefore, as part of its agri-advisory role, Agribank hosted training events for women and youth in //Karas region, covering farm management planning, rangeland management, small stock management, crop production, piggery, and poultry production.
Nangonya explained that the training aims to equip farming communities with skills that enhance productivity and, at the same time, take into consideration climate resilience through diversified farming practices.
The training was conducted in Keetmanshop, Aroab, Koës and Berseba between 1 to 9 February 2022, and each session was attended by over 30 participants comprised of women and youth.
He added that the training aimed at delivering technical farming skills through theory-based learning and practical demonstrations to strengthen farmers’ skill set, knowledge, and attitude towards farming.
Last week, the training took place in Erongo Region, covering the town of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund from 15 – 17 February 2022.
Many Namibians still employ traditional farming methods and produce rain-fed crops once a year. Making them vulnerable to climate change with reduced outputs as they struggle to adapt and mechanise their production.
Email: erastus@thevillager.com.na
