The Onyeka Yepumba Farmers Association in the Omusati Region recently inaugurated its new office at Etunda in Ruacana Constituency after receiving N$3 million from the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) as a booster to cater for farming equipment.

Onyeka Yempumba Farmers Association caters for farmers within the Onesi and Ruacana districts in the Omusati.

The association caters to individuals who are passionate about farming a variety of crops and vegetables and have a reliable water source, such as a borehole.

The Chairperson of the association, Japhet Iitenge, said the association is a proud recipient of the N$3 million that will give farmers an opportunity to work and bring together individuals with a common goal of sufficient food supply in the region.

"The idea is to support those who are passionate about farming, work together, and want to add value to their communal land; thus, we as a region can promote food security while reducing unemployment and poverty in our communities."

The Regional Councillor for Onesi, Simon Festus, thanked the Environmental Investment Fund for the funds entrusted to the Onyeka Yempumba Farmers Association and implored the association to remain focused on its vision for the farmers in both constituencies, Onesi and Ruacana, respectively.

"We are grateful for the money received from the EIF Namibia, and we trust and believe that the association will use the funds for the intended purpose and will not derail from catering for the initial needs of the project. In the same breath, I would like to encourage the leaders of the association to continue working hard and remain united because it is only through unity that we as a region can grow."

The Regional Councillor for Ruacana, Andreas Shintama, also reminded the association that COVID-19 has taught Namibians valuable lessons, one of which is that we should not be too dependent on South Africa for our food supply.

"The beginning is always difficult, but what should matter is the vision you see for yourself. Just like Vision 2030, our Government has national development goals, of which food security and poverty reduction are two. It is through agriculture that many communities can be self-sufficient and reliant."

Farming in the Omusati looks promising, as farmers are now transitioning from growing predominantly mahangu, maize, and sorghum to incorporating a variety of vegetables such as sweet potato, butternut, cabbage, onions, and tomatoes on their communal land for resale purposes.