The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) and the University of Namibia (UNAM) have launched a potato seed multiplication and wheat seed planting programme for sustainable food production at the Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility outside Tsumeb.

This follows the signing of an agreement between the two entities.

UNAM, in collaboration with the Namibia Agronomy Board, has embarked on the Seed Research Project with the objective of making the country seed and food secure.

Production in animal husbandry at Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility outside Tsumeb has increased, from 200 cattle to 363.

The Evaristus Shikongo Correctional Facility is situated about 25 kilometers north of Tsumeb and is involved in animal husbandries such as cattle, horses, sheep and goats.

The facility also produces fruit and vegetables for use by the prison service.

Inmates are also taught various skills for use once they leave prison to reintegrate into society.

The Namibian Correctional Service (NCS) has waived the requirement for shortlisted candidates to present a certificate of good conduct at the testing venue. Instead, only the final candidates will be required to present such documents before commencing with basic training.

Candidates can report to a testing venue of their choice, except for those shortlisted for sports, truck operator, and brass/live band, who are required to report to the Windhoek testing centers.

Namibia offers huge potential and opportunities to increase its agricultural productivity.

Dr Menghestab Haile, Regional Director of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), stated this at the launch of the Namibian Correctional Service's (NCS) integrated food production project at the Hardap Correctional Facility near Mariental.

Implemented in partnership with WFP and Impact for Africa S.p.A (IFA), the project supports the government's efforts to scale up domestic production, develop agricultural value chains, and improve socio-economic outcomes.