By: Loise Shiimi
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform has allocated 6,767.71 hectares of land to farmers in the Omaheke Region to bolster food security and decongest crowded communal areas in the Aminius constituency, in efforts to enhance their farming activities.
During her remarks on Monday, Minister Inge Zaamwani announced that the government has also acquired the remaining portion of Farm Fiesta No. 440 in the Omaheke Region, which encompasses 6,080.05 hectares, designated for the resettlement of generational farmworkers and those farming in corridors.
“The farm has been divided into four farming units, with Units A and B already allocated to beneficiaries on 27 May 2025,” she stated.
She went on to announce that the remaining Units C and D of the same farm have now been handed over to beneficiaries who have been farming in corridors over the years.
“Unit C measures 1,776.26 hectares and can accommodate 133 large stock units or 799 small stock units. Meanwhile, Unit D, measuring 1,283.56 hectares, can accommodate 96 large stock units or 577 small stock units,” she explained.
Regarding the rationale behind the land allocation, Zaamwani mentioned that the ministry has received video clips expressing the frustrations of the Kalahari Constituency communities, whose livestock were being killed in daily collisions with vehicles along the roads.
“I have also received numerous petitions from farmers in the Witvlei area, requesting resettlement and removal from corridors. These are clear indications that the challenges faced by landless Namibians are both real and complex,” she noted, emphasising that this allocation represents a turning point for the beneficiaries involved.
Zaamwani urged farmers to make the most of these farms in order to produce food for their families and the nation as a whole. She outlined how the hectares of land will be distributed, stating that these units will be allocated to the beneficiaries on an equal, undivided share basis.
“I encourage you to maintain the carrying capacity of these farms and avoid overstocking. Anyone who attempts to disrupt this allocation will face decisive action. I implore you to work collaboratively, as you share a common experience of the hardships faced while grazing in corridors over the years,” she advised.
Commenting on possible challenges arising regarding the units, the minister encouraged farmers to address these issues as a group and seek amicable solutions, explaining that a peaceful land reform program fosters tranquility, local and national economic development, enhances reconciliation, and promotes peaceful coexistence among diverse populations.
“The government cannot tackle this issue alone. We require the involvement of all critical stakeholders. The land reform agenda is a Namibian initiative, and only we, as Namibians, can address it. No one else can do it for us,” she remarked.
In addition to this allocation, Zaamwani acknowledged that the government still has work to do to ensure that landless Namibians gain access to land. This includes addressing the needs of the Dordabis community, the Ovazemba communities, and Namibians who returned from Botswana and are currently residing in the reception centre in Gam, Otjozondjupa Region.
This necessitates additional land to expand the /Khomanin traditional community’s communal area in the Khomas Region, and for the plight of Namibian farmers grazing in neighbouring countries under challenging conditions to be addressed.
Furthermore, the Ovazemba communities residing in corridors of farms in the Kamanjab area and the San communities living in unfavourable conditions in the Oshikoto Region also require attention.
“These pressing land reform issues must be tackled within the constraints of limited financial resources, but they demand unwavering support and understanding from all stakeholders,” added the minister.
Meanwhile, Omaheke governor Pijoo Nganate stated that the beneficiaries who received land now have the obligation to plan effectively, farm sustainably, and provide stability for their households.
“Beneficiaries are expected to collaborate, respect the carrying capacity, avoid overstocking, and ensure that the land remains productive. This is not negotiable. These farms must be safeguarded against misuse, internal divisions, or practices that compromise long-term sustainability,” he indicated.
He called for continued cooperation to ensure land reform in Omaheke is equitable, well-managed, and in alignment with the national agenda for equity and growth.
