Despite challenges such as limited resources and unfavourable weather patterns, crop farmers in the Omaheke Region are making some strides in producing enough produce for markets.

Farmers held their annual Crop Farmers Day at Farm Du Plessis in the Okorukambe Constituency.

Omaheke Crop Farmers Day Chairperson Ratonda Katjivikua pointed out that the region has been known as a cattle country, but crop farmers have since incorporated crop farming for both consumption and the markets.

Katjivikua is pleased with the resilience and determination shown by fellow crop farmers.

“We did expert presentations, skills transfer, benchmarking, networking, and practical sessions that showed that you will transform your farming and escalate your interest to aid this livelihood and support the agricultural sector.”

The Chief Agricultural Scientific Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Jorry Kaurivi, stressed that platforms such as these help farmers exchange ideas.

Kaurivi guaranteed farmers of government's commitment to supporting farmers.

“Information dissemination, technology unpacking and utilisation, and also socialising with our own fellow community members, as well as knowledge and team building, are of paramount importance."

A Zambian mentor, Eric Mwenda, highlighted African farming communities as having the potential to unlock the sector, adding that the dream of food security will only be realised if farmers come on board.

"In whatever projects we are thinking about, whether big or small, let us ensure that we have the packet knowledge. When you hear about the next millionaires, they will come from the farming industry. Even the African Development Bank is the one mentioning that by 2030, are we ready as farmers for 2030?