Thousands of unfilled posts strain ministry’s ambitious agriculture, fisheries and land reform plans

The ministry of agriculture, water, fisheries and land reform has more funding than ever, but with thousands of positions still vacant, questions are mounting over whether it can deliver on its nationwide programmes.

A recent report by the parliamentary standing committee on natural resources shows that the ministry is expected to operate with 6 110 positions in the 2025/26 financial year.

Of these, only 3 346 are currently filled, leaving 2 146 vacant.

Within the fisheries sector, the report notes, 503 of 616 approved posts are occupied, leaving 131 vacancies.

The ministry’s strategic objectives are wide-ranging.

It aims to strengthen the sustainable management of natural resources, improve animal and plant health, enhance productivity and food security, promote climate-smart agricultural practices, develop value chains, expand the blue economy and ensure equitable access to land.

The report indicated that the ministry is fast-tracking public-private partnerships for green schemes, promoting farmer-to-farmer mentorship, expanding agro-processing and building capacity among extension officers.

It is also seeking increased budget allocations and working with local, regional and international partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), European Union (EU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), African Development Bank (AfDB), and GIZ, to support implementation.

Big job

Its interventions include running nine green schemes covering 5 600 hectares, of which 3 403 hectares are currently under cultivation and releasing more than 20 new crop varieties.

It's also responsible for distributing seeds and fertilisers and aims to train over 111 000 farmers in crop and livestock management.

In the beef value chain, more than 5 400 livestock producers have received support through marketing infrastructure and fodder initiatives.

The report notes the ministry is taking steps forward on land reform initiatives.

Since the programme’s inception, it has acquired 601 farms covering more than 3.5 million hectares, resettling 5 502 beneficiaries.

The drafting of the Land Bill has been completed, and the ministry continues to advocate for its enactment, alongside a review of the resettlement policy to enhance productivity and sustainability for resettled farmers.

The ministry’s development budget is projected to grow from N$497 million in 2025/26 to N$714 million by 2027/28, funding agriculture, land reform, land administration and policy coordination.

A total of 67 capital projects are currently underway, including agricultural research, veterinary services, irrigation schemes and land reform projects. In the water and fisheries sectors, 28 capital projects are planned, including water resource management, supply and sanitation coordination and aquaculture development.

Among achievements, 249 boreholes have been drilled, five bulk pipelines rehabilitated, and a desalination plant completed in the Oshikoto region.

Progress threats

Despite these efforts, the ministry continues to face operational challenges.

Limited human resources are compounded by delays in procurement, high staff turnover and logistical difficulties in remote areas.

In addition, farmers are affected by erratic rainfall, high electricity costs, pest infestations and outbreaks of animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease.

In the fisheries sector, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, foreign vessel intrusion and limited scientific expertise threaten sustainability.

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