By: Annakleta Haikera
Mutete (hibiscus) continues to play a vital role in household food security in the Kavango East and Kavango West regions, with an estimated 80 percent of residents growing the leafy vegetable in their backyard gardens for consumption.
During interviews conducted by The Villager, several families said mutete is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, as it thrives in almost any type of soil and requires minimal maintenance. “Mutete grows anywhere. You don’t need fertiliser or special care, just water,” said Martin Mukuve, a resident of Kavango East.
Mukuve explained that there are three types of mutete commonly known in the region: mutete kahahu, which grows naturally in the wild, and the more popular green and red mutete, which are cultivated around homesteads.
“Mutete is easy to prepare. Not only do women cook it, but men also do. I personally prefer mixing it with Lucky Star fish; it makes it tastier,” he said.
He added that interest is growing in the commercial potential of red mutete, with some community members exploring the production of mutete juice on a larger scale for national consumption.
“I have tasted pure mutete juice made from red mutete. It is healthy and very nice; it makes you want more,” Mukuve shared.
Another resident, Maria Kahamba, said mutete is also valued for its ability to be preserved for long periods.
“In many areas, mutete is pounded and dried so it can be kept for a long time. Families with larger fields sell dried or fresh mutete at local markets and even in other towns,” she indicated.
Kahamba explained that mutete seeds are often stored in bottles and reused seasonally. In some instances, once planted, the seeds continue to regenerate naturally around homesteads.
“You will see mutete growing again even without replanting. As long as there is water, it survives in any season,” she said.
Residents described mutete as more than just a vegetable, saying it represents tradition, resilience and self-reliance, especially during difficult seasons when other crops fail.
Some families shared hopes that mutete could further be developed into value-added products, creating income opportunities while preserving a traditional food that has sustained generations in the Kavango regions.
The growing interest in mutete has also received support at the national level, with Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare publicly promoting mutete juice and other locally-produced goods, encouraging Namibians to support local farmers and small businesses by buying home-grown products.
Ngurare highlighted the importance of value addition, saying local crops such as mutete ought to be processed into products such as juice to create jobs, strengthen MSMEs, and build a resilient food value chain. He also encouraged more farmers to venture into mutete production to meet rising demand.
