Okakarara Constituency Councillor Ramana Mutjavikua has called on the government to promote irrigation funding as a long term solution to drought resilience.

Mutjavikua was speaking at the 16th edition of the Okakarara Annual Trade Fair.

Local and international exhibitors made sure to grab the opportunity to showcase their products and services.

However, due to the effects of the drought, only a few farmers brought their livestock for display and auctioning at the trade fair.

Councillor Mutjavikua said to help build the resilience of the community, a long-term solution is needed.

"Rather promote an irrigation policy and funding to a long-term solution towards the drought as opposed to the current rain-fed crop production, which is heavily dependent on rain, which is getting more and more scarce at the end of the day. We will have to be assisted and aided every time we hit the bar."

Mutjavikua says the Okakarara Constituency has the second highest irrigation potential. 

Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele said, "The fair is not only about showcasing products and services; it is about celebrating the creativity and dedication of our local entrepreneurs and innovators; it is about improving our stock levels and improving our breed quality."

The 16th edition of the Okakarara Annual Trade Fair is being hosted under the theme 'Transformative and Sustainable Innovations of SMEs and Natural Resources.

The trade fair, which started on Monday and will end on Sunday.