By: Peneyambeko Jonas
Oshikoto Region has been urged to increase local food production, invest in agricultural infrastructure, and support small-scale farmers to reduce Namibia’s reliance on food imports.
Speaking at the 2026 World Food Day commemoration at Onyaanya Constituency on Friday, Oshikoto Governor Sacky Kathindi said the region has the potential to become Namibia’s food basket if more investment is directed towards water infrastructure, irrigation, agricultural technology and market access.
“Oshikoto Region has the potential to become Namibia’s food basket,” Kathindi said, adding that the region has opportunities in crop production, livestock farming, horticulture and agro-processing.
He said increasing local production would help reduce imports, retain money within communities and create employment opportunities.
Kathindi stressed that the region must move beyond subsistence farming towards commercial production while ensuring that small-scale farmers also benefit from agricultural opportunities.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform Ruthy Masake said Namibia needs to adopt practical farming innovations to respond to drought, water shortages and changing weather conditions affecting agricultural production.
Speaking under the theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” Masake said innovation does not necessarily require expensive machinery or advanced technology.
She said farmers could improve production through better water conservation methods, drought-tolerant seeds, improved livestock management, digital agricultural information and food-processing activities.
“The food security of tomorrow will be determined by the choices, investments and innovations that we make today,” Masake said.
She added that traditional farming knowledge should not be overlooked, but be combined with scientific research and modern agricultural practices to develop solutions suited to Namibia’s farming conditions.
Masake said the government continues to implement programmes such as the Green Scheme Programme, Value Chain Development Schemes and the Dry-land Crop Production Programme to improve productivity, create employment and increase household incomes.
She also revealed that 12 boreholes were drilled, six installed and one short pipeline constructed in Oshikoto during the 2025/2026 financial year to improve water availability and reduce the distances communities travel to access water.
Meanwhile, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Assistant Representative Ferdinard Mwapopi said innovation should focus on practical solutions that improve farmers’ production and livelihoods.
He said water scarcity, drought, climate change and Namibia’s dependence on food imports continue to affect agricultural production and the affordability of food.
“Innovation is about finding better ways to respond to the challenges we face in food and agriculture,” Mwapopi said.
He added that innovation could include using water efficiently, reducing food losses, adding value to locally produced goods and improving farmers’ access to markets.
Mwapopi said FAO would continue supporting Namibia through technical expertise, agricultural development, improved value chains and sustainable management of natural resources under its 2025–2029 Country Programming Framework.
He further encouraged young people to view agriculture as an opportunity to start businesses, introduce new ideas and create employment.
The World Food Day commemoration brought together government officials, farmers, development partners and community members. Sponsors also donated food items, gardening equipment and other agricultural inputs for distribution to identified small-scale farmers and vulnerable households. penny@eaglefm.com.na
