Namibia is pushing forward with big plans to boost its farming sector and cut down on food imports. On Friday in Windhoek, Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani rolled out key documents, including the Namibian Agronomic Board’s annual report, a five-year integrated business plan, a five-year crop value chain development strategy, and a new potato development scheme.
“These aren’t just papers—they’re our fresh promise to reshape crop farming and speed up food self-sufficiency,” Zaamwani said. The strategies line up perfectly with Namibia’s Sixth National Development Plan, which puts agriculture at the top of the list.
Zaamwani highlighted how the crop value chain development strategy tackles every step, from seeds and fertilizers to farming, processing, storage, and selling produce. This holistic approach aims to make Namibia’s crop sector stronger and more competitive on the world stage.
One standout move is the Potato Development Scheme. It promises to ramp up local potato production, create jobs in everything from growing to packaging, and slash imports. Plus, it opens doors for agro-processing, like making chips, crisps, and starch. Officials see it as a blueprint for similar efforts with other key crops.
About 70% of Namibians rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, often through small-scale subsistence farming. These initiatives could transform lives by building a sustainable and resilient crop industry.
In related news, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare vowed last month to tackle rural headaches head-on. Speaking in northern Namibia, he focused on fixing issues like access to clean water, better roads, and internet connectivity to build a fairer country.
Many rural families still go without basics, even years after independence, Ngurare pointed out. “No reliable clean water doesn’t just hurt your health—it stops you from really succeeding,” he said. The government plans to expand safe drinking water, build more rural roads, and bring electricity to remote spots.
Ngurare stressed that solid infrastructure drives Namibia’s growth. It links people, helps farmers get crops to market, and gets kids to school safely. To close the digital divide, he’s pushing internet access for rural youth so they can learn and join the global job market. Recently, new tech towers went live to cover underserved areas.
He called on communities to team up with the government, turning tough times into chances for the next generation.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
