By: Loise Shiimi
Oshana Region governor, Hofni Iipinge, announced receipt of eight hectares of land allocated by the Okatyali Constituency to establish a youth-led horticultural project focused on vegetable production.
This announcement was made during the governor’s address celebrating his first 100 days in office.
Iipinge underscored that the project aims to provide youth with the opportunity to engage in farming, which he believes will facilitate local food production and minimise the need for community members to travel long distances to purchase vegetables.
Once established, Iipinge projects that the initiative would create approximately 15 permanent and 50 seasonal jobs. Furthermore, he announced that his office has secured funding of up to N$500,000 for various projects within the region.
Iipinge also expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Industries, Mines, and Energy for signing a contract with Desert Planet Industries to lease and reopen the Ondangwa Northern Tannery.
“This is a significant milestone that will create numerous opportunities in the northern region, generating essential direct and indirect employment,” he stated.
In a related context, Alfred Sikopo, the deputy executive director of the Department of Land Management, underscored the importance of establishing a foundation for sustainable, inclusive, and resilient agrifood systems in the face of climate change and economic uncertainty.
He shared these remarks during the commemoration of World Food Day on Saturday.
“As a nation where agriculture remains the backbone of rural economies, we must confront challenges such as climate shocks with bold, innovative strategies, strengthened partnerships, and a renewed commitment to enhancing resilience within our agrifood systems,” Sikopo noted.
This year’s World Food Day was celebrated under the theme ‘Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future.’ Sikopo urged for reaffirmation of commitment to ensuring that every Namibian has access to food and enjoys the fundamental right to a healthy, well-nourished, and dignified life.
“This commitment extends beyond merely addressing current hunger; it aims to establish a future where our agrifood systems are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient to the challenges posed by climate change and economic volatility,” he explained.
He underscored the need to create opportunities for farmers, empower youth in agriculture, and encourage innovation that boosts productivity while safeguarding natural resources. Sikopo envisions a Namibia where no citizen is marginalised, and food security is a guarantee for all, rather than a privilege afforded to few.
Regarding improving the nation’s agricultural landscape, he called on everyone to unite in producing sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to feed the population and contribute to the realisation of Namibia’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
He noted that Vision 2030 envisions a nation that is food-secure, prosperous, and resilient, with agriculture serving as a driver of inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods.
“The government remains dedicated to implementing strategic initiatives such as the Green Scheme Program, Value Chain Development Schemes, the Dry-land Crop Production Program, and additional complementary interventions designed to enhance agricultural productivity and stimulate investment throughout the value chain,” he added.
These programs aim not only to create employment opportunities and increase household incomes, but also to reduce poverty, particularly in rural communities where agriculture is the primary source of livelihood.
