By: Annakleta Haikera
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources advised farm managers and small-scale farmers in the Kavango East Region to reconsider their current crop strategies.
The committee gave this recommendation after visiting various green schemes in the region.
The committee recommended reducing reliance on traditional grain crops and exploring orchards and other high-value crops to improve both productivity and profitability.
Immanuel Nashinge, a committee member, emphasised that regions such as Kavango East and Zambezi have significant potential to diversify their agricultural production. He suggested that farmers introduce crops like ginger and other vegetables instead of focusing solely on common staples such as cabbage and tomatoes.
Another committee member, Ferdinand Hengombe, highlighted the potential of fruit orchards, particularly guavas, noting their multiple uses.
“Guavas, for instance, are not only valuable as fruit, but their leaves can also be used for medicinal purposes, providing natural remedies and additional income opportunities for farmers,” Hengombe said.
He added that this could increase farmers’ income, strengthen food security, and create opportunities for value addition, such as processing fruits into juice or other products.
“Introducing orchards and specialty crops could also promote sustainable land use and open access to niche markets,” he noted.
Small-scale farmer Loise Garosas said that while some farmers have already begun diversifying, challenges such as limited access to funding, training, and reliable markets for alternative produce remain.
She also noted that small-scale farmers often receive less attention from the government despite frequent visits to green scheme projects.
Janno Rentel, Ndonga Linena Green Scheme farm manager, said that about 3.5 hectares of the scheme will be allocated for orchards next year. He added that the soil is suitable for mangoes, guavas, and avocados, which can be used for juice production and supplement healthy diets.
“We’re looking forward to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Land Reform approving this initiative so that all available spaces in the green scheme can be planted with orchard trees,” said Rentel.
The chairperson of the parliamentary standing committee, Dr. Tobie Aupindi, also pledged to work with regional authorities and agricultural experts to provide guidance and support to farmers willing to transition to diversified crop production.
The committee stressed that innovation and adaptation will be key to ensuring the long-term success of green schemes in the region.
