Hearing-impaired farmer inspires with success

In the heart of Namibia’s agricultural landscape, a hearing-impaired farmer is making waves and inspiring others with his unwavering determination and passion for farming.

Likius Nghiitumu Hedimbi, a 29-year-old crop producer in Kombat in the Grootfontein area, has carved a unique path in the world of agriculture, proving that adversity can be a stepping stone to success.

In a statement about Hedimbi, Agribank said his farming journey started in 2019 right after he graduated from the De La Bat School in Worchester, South Africa.

Coming from a family of farmers, he was exposed to the world of agriculture at a young age.

His father Jonas, like his forefathers, was a farmer and it was on his father’s land - the Salzbrunnen farm in Kombat - where he made his mark.

With 50 hectares of land gifted to him by his father, Hedimbi embarked on a journey to cultivate crops that soon flourished under his skilled hands.

However, he faced significant challenges including a lack of capital and equipment.

Slowly amassing resources

“Undeterred, Hedimbi saved his monthly grant and allowance, slowly amassing the resources he needed to kickstart his farming venture.”

According to Agribank, one of the turning points for him early in his farming career was the cultivation of mango trees.

In a resourceful move, he collected mango seeds from his family’s abundance of mango trees, eventually growing over 100 trees.

What initially seemed like a curious endeavour soon bore fruit - quite literally, leading to sales that surprised and silenced his doubters.

He then used his income and savings to invest in crucial equipment.

Agribank said his family supported him with seeds and additional irrigation equipment and his father’s tractor also became a valuable asset on the farm.

He currently produces cabbage, watermelon, butternut, beetroot, carrots, onions, tomatoes, spinach and lettuce.

Primary challenge

As a hearing-impaired farmer, communication was his primary challenge, he said.

Communicating with employees, customers and suppliers was a significant obstacle.

To navigate this, he initially relied on his younger brother to act as a mediator between him and customers.

However, over time as relationships grew, he gained the trust and understanding of his customers, making communication more straightforward.

Meanwhile, funding and equipment limitations also slowed his progress.

“Operating on borrowed equipment and depending on other people’s schedules was far from ideal.”

Agribank said transportation of produce was another challenge, which was eventually resolved with acquisition of a car from his father.

One of the biggest lessons he learnt was finding sustainable customers. Initially without a well-established customer base, Hedimbi reduced the production of certain crops.

However, attending the 'Empowering Youth in Agriculture' conference opened doors to new networking opportunities and potential customers, reigniting his passion for farming various crops.

Hard work and determination

Hedimbi attributes farming to significant personal growth.

Overcoming skepticism and being labelled lazy, he transformed his life through hard work and determination.

Farming taught him discipline, patience and the importance of consistency, he said.

He found a sense of purpose in contributing to his community, combatting hunger and addressing unemployment by providing jobs on the farm.

“Farming is not easy, but it is a rewarding journey. Take your education seriously, invest in learning and start small with what you have. Make sacrifices, be ready for change and never let anyone dim your light. Your passion and determination can lead you to success,” Hedimbi said.

Agribank added that the farmer stands as an inspiration and a symbol of what can be achieved through unwavering commitment and a love for the land.

“His story reminds us all that with determination and resilience, any dream can flourish - even in the face of adversity.”