Kavango West Region going green

NKURENKURU, 22 NOV (NAMPA) - A one-day conference for smallholder horticulture producers from the Kavango West region was held at Nkurenkuru on Thursday, aiming to transform local farming from subsistence to commercial scale.
The conference was held under theme ‘Kavango West going green by transforming the horticulture sector from subsistence to commercial farming’ and explored ways to strengthen the region’s agricultural potential.
It forms part of a project funded by the Japanese government titled ‘Emergency response to enhance resilience and mitigate climate-induced impacts on livelihoods, food, and nutrition security.’
The project, valued at N.dollars 14 million, spans two years and benefits the Ohangwena, Kavango East, and Kavango West regions, implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Namibia.
Japan’s Ambassador to Namibia, Hisao Nishimaki, noted in his remarks at the conference that Kavango West faces notable challenges, including a poverty rate of 33 per cent and a youth unemployment rate of 46.8 per cent.
Nishimaki however expressed optimism, emphasising the region's potential to overcome these challenges through sustainable agricultural development.
“It is important to have access to water to advance agricultural production. This can help the region become food self-sufficient, generate self-employment and increase income for households, thereby fighting poverty and unemployment at the same time,” said Nishimaki.
The ambassador further highlighted that Japan has supported Kavango West through multiple initiatives over the past three years. These efforts have provided smallholder farmers with essential agro-inputs such as seeds, fruit trees, poultry, gardening tools, and small-scale irrigation systems utilising water-saving technology.
Additionally, Nishimaki pledged Japan’s continued support for vulnerable households and critical government projects aimed at enhancing food production in Namibia.
Deputy Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Verna Sinimbo also praised Kavango West for its natural assets, including the Kavango River and fertile soil.
“With the comparative advantages of having a river and fertile land, Kavango West could become an agricultural hub,” said Sinimbo.
Sinimbo noted that the region currently has over 200 smallholder horticulture producers and stressed the importance of expanding horticultural activities across the region.
“With dedication and hard work, horticulture in Kavango West can not only sustain local communities, but also contribute to the broader economic growth and wellbeing of the region,” she said.
(NAMPA)
JLN/AS/EK