Namibia reduces crop imports

Namibia has achieved a significant milestone in its agricultural sector by attaining a 55% self-sufficiency level in local vegetable production. The country has also reached a combined total of 45% self-sufficiency in the local production of agronomic (grains) and horticultural (fruits and vegetables) crops, according to the Namibia Agronomic Board (NAB). “This accomplishment is the result of the combined efforts of smallholder farmers and large-scale commercial farmers. The achievement underscores a reduction in the country&#039;s reliance on food imports, particularly for staple grain crops such as white maize, mahangu and wheat, which has experienced substantial growth to 50% in a good rainy season.” This growth is primarily attributed to collaborative efforts between farmers and agro-processors through industry marketing agreements to enhance crop production, market access and overall sustainability. “Notably, this achievement stands in contrast to the fact that, 15 years ago, Namibia’s self-sufficiency rate was merely 5% for horticultural products and about 20% for agronomic crops.”Leverage fertile groundA celebratory event was held in Zita-Mutumba village in the Zambezi Region. Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu underscored the current market share of the region, noting that it accounts for approximately 7% of white maize and 25% of mahangu grains. He, however, pointed out that Zambezi&#039;s contribution to horticultural crops is relatively low, standing at less than 1%.He further urged farmers to leverage the region&#039;s fertile land and favourable rainfall conditions in order to positively contribute to the national food basket, capitalising on the untapped potential for horticultural crops. Sampofu emphasised the importance of participating in the market share promotion (MSP) scheme, encouraging farmers to capitalise on this initiative for enhanced market opportunities.Important restrictionsThe NAB, in fulfilment of its mandate, regulates the movement of agronomic and horticultural products. It facilitates import restrictions during periods of sufficient local production to protect local producers from competition with cheaper imports and promotes food self-sufficiency as a sovereign state. This is done in line with the MSP scheme, the special controlled product scheme and the grain marketing scheme. Hence, all controlled grain crops, including white maize, wheat and mahangu, as well as controlled fresh produce products, are only imported or exported with permits issued by the NAB and other regulatory agencies, upon satisfying the MSP requirements.NAB CEO Dr Fidelis Mwazi reaffirmed the commitment to implementing a robust import substitution programme, including initiatives like the MSP, to create a conducive environment and a thriving market for local farmers. “The objective is to expand operations, increase crop production and propel Namibia towards food self-sufficiency while diminishing dependence on imports," he said.Food securityThe World Food Programme (WFP) is among the entities at the forefront championing end-to-end food systems approach to achieve food security in Namibia. To date, WFP has provided climate-smart agricultural technology, drought-resistant seeds, as well as investment in agri infrastructure and clean energy sources. This is in addition to facilitating market access, training on good agricultural practices and value addition.“Over the years, WFP has been complementing the government of Namibia’s priorities in scaling up domestic food production, facilitating partnerships and investments that enable the country to capture greater value from the food system as well as strengthen systems and structures that demonstrate efficiency and effectiveness to deliver on this mandate,” Ericah Shafuda, WFP’s deputy country director and representative in Namibia, said.WFP in Namibia provides technical support to the government to help strengthen food systems value chain as well as accelerate rural transformation towards the attainment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero hunger.

Namibia reduces crop imports

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Republikein 2025-03-07

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Namibia reduces crop imports

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