The Ukwangali Traditional Authority raised more than 363 thousand dollars at a fundraising gala dinner to procure essential agricultural equipment for the people of Ukwangali.
The fundraising gala is the first of its kind held in the Ukwangali Traditional Authority.
The Ukwangali traditional authority sees it fit to meet the government halfway by helping subsistence farmers in its jurisdiction improve their production, strengthen food security and youth empowerment.
The essential agricultural equipment to be procured includes a tractor, a tractor-drawn-mode plough and a tractor-drawn planter.
""The tractor will help many people, especially our elderly women. You go to the village, and you find these elderly people with grandchildren. He doesn't have oxen; he's having a field, or he cannot afford tractors which the government is offering or private people are offering," stated Uukwangali Traditional Authority Hompa Eugene Siwombe Kudumo.
Apart from monetary pledges, the Ukwangali Traditional Authority received a tractor, two cattle and two sheep in kind.
Hompa Siwombe assured the donors that their efforts will not be in vain, but they will help improve lives.
Gracing the event, Vice President Lucia Witbooi shared that under the 8th Administration, agriculture ranks first among the key priority areas, aiming to achieve food self-sufficiency, reduce heavy import reliance, and support rural livelihoods.
She highlighted that agriculture has always been the backbone of the rural economy.
"I would like to commend the Ukwangali Traditional Authority for its vision of raising resources to acquire agricultural machinery and equipment that will directly benefit local communities. Such initiatives demonstrate practical leadership and a commitment to improving livelihoods through increased agricultural productivity. Modern farming equipment enables communities to cultivate larger areas efficiently, increase yields, reduce production costs and strengthen resilience against climate challenges."
The Vice President added that the government must remain committed to transforming the agricultural sector into a modern, productive and climate-resilient industry capable of creating jobs, reducing poverty and improving livelihoods.
She added that agriculture offers enormous opportunities beyond traditional farming, presenting careers in agribusiness, technology, logistics, research, food processing and entrepreneurship.
The event was attended by Hompa Bartholomeus Aruvita Kayoka of the Gciriku Traditional Authority, local leaders, members of the business community, and community members.