Despite facing several challenges highlighted during recent oversight visits by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources to resettlement farms in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions, one farmer stood out, thanks to his resilient approach.

Johannes Damaseb, an award-winning farmer at Okorusu farm in the Otjozondjupa Region, has demonstrated remarkable progress and has become an inspiration to fellow beneficiaries of the government's resettlement programme.

Johannes Damaseb currently employs over 10 permanent and 60 seasonal workers.

Damaseb is involved in intensive agricultural activities such as maize and sunflower production and he also supplies bales and other animal feed to local farmers. 

Amidst a lack of farming equipment, proper infrastructure and experience, and many other challenges other resettled farmers face, Damaseb leaned on his personal savings to procure the essentials.

Today, he does not only sell his produce in Otjiwarongo and the surrounding areas but selfless Damaseb also mentors other beneficiaries, sharing his knowledge and experience.

The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources Vincent Mareka acknowledged the importance of providing the necessary support to the resettled farmers to ensure their sustainability.

He emphasized the significance of peer-to-peer learning as a means to instill confidence and empower beneficiaries to overcome challenges and succeed, just as Damaseb did.

The Committee visited the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions to assess the productivity of resettlement farms. 

The aim was also to evaluate the government's support in terms of financing and training, as well as the role of resettled farmers in job creation and food sustenance to alleviate poverty.  

The Committee will compile a comprehensive report after the oversight visits to be tabled in Parliament for further action.