A small-scale vegetable farmer from Sesheke in Kongola Constituency, Modesty Kakula, has appealed to the government and other stakeholders for assistance with a submersible water pump to sustain his farming activities.

Kakula, who grows cabbages and tomatoes, is now diversifying into banana and date farming. However, inadequate access to water threatens his crops.

"The cabbages I had previously planted were destroyed by flooding, and although I sought assistance at that time, I did not receive any support. I managed to relocate some of the remaining cabbages to higher ground to avoid future flooding, but those crops eventually dried out due to a lack of sufficient water."

Kakula explained that while water is available in a nearby stream, pumping it uphill to his garden remains a major challenge.

He said he remains committed to farming but feels that small-scale farmers are often overlooked despite repeated calls for communities to participate in agriculture and contribute to national food security.

"It is challenging to obtain financial assistance from banks and other institutions when one does not have collateral, such as property or livestock."

Kakula appealed to government institutions, businesses and other well-wishers to help him acquire a water pump, saying such assistance would enable him to sustain his livelihood, expand production and contribute to Namibia's food supply.