The World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the Namibian Agronomic Board, recently handed over essential farming equipment to two small-scale farmers in the Zambezi Region. This initiative aims to support and enhance agricultural productivity in the area.

One of the farmers, Regina Mayumbelo, received equipment valued at N$250,000, which included fencing material, a shade net with irrigation, seeds, and continued technical support.

The second farmer, Vincent Siliye, whose equipment included solar panels, was funded at N$350,000.

The Deputy Country Director of the UN World Food Programme, Erica Shafudah, encouraged farmers who have thus far benefited from any assistance given to make sure that not only do they continue to sustain their farms, but they also find ways to increase and expand their produce and businesses.

The event coincided with the celebration of the achievement of a 55% self-sufficiency level in local vegetable production while also reaching a combined total of 45% self-sufficiency in the local production of agronomic and horticultural crops by small and large-scale farmers in Namibia.

The interim Managing Director for Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency, Percy Misika, implored farmers to place a consistent supply of produce to local retailers as a priority, adding that it is key to growing the local market.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Namibian Agronomic Board, Dr. Fidelis Mwazi, shared Misika's sentiments on consistency in supply, saying that is the only way local farmers can ensure that products farmed locally are not imported into the country due to a lack of supply.

As a result of the drought, however, the year 2022 saw a yield of 98,000 metric tonnes of maize, which dropped to 68,000 metric tonnes last year. Further reductions are expected this year.

He said this reality presents much-needed effort in responding to situations affecting the agriculture industry and making sure that sustainable food production, despite climate variability, still remains attainable.