Agriculture ministry highlights community initiatives in Zambezi
Farmers receive backing and recognition
Community-driven farming projects in Zambezi showcase resilience, innovation and government support.
Jacques du Toit
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, accompanied by Deputy Minister Ruthy Masake, visited several agricultural projects in the Zambezi Region on 25 August 2025. The visits, held ahead of the Heroe’s Day commemoration, highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening food production and supporting community-driven initiatives.
Among the sites toured was the farm of Calicio Simone in the Singalamwe area, where a banana plantation trial is being conducted under the oversight of the Namibia Agronomic Board. Although the harvest was destroyed by frost, the minister praised the effort as an important step in testing new crops for the region.
The farm also grows maize and tomatoes, reflecting local efforts to diversify food production. Community leaders noted that land and water resources are sufficient and expressed readiness to form cooperatives, an initiative the ministry pledged to support through its regional office.
The delegation also visited a garden project led by a local woman and her husband, supported by fellow community members. The initiative produces tomatoes and other crops, contributing to household food security and livelihoods. Farmers raised challenges related to water and pest management, and the Ministry promised to collaborate with agricultural directors to address these concerns.
Assistance already provided includes solar panels and technical guidance, with further support under consideration.
Zaamwani commended the community’s resilience and called on youth and women to engage in agriculture, emphasising that fertile land combined with government backing can drive food security for Namibia.
The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani, accompanied by Deputy Minister Ruthy Masake, visited several agricultural projects in the Zambezi Region on 25 August 2025. The visits, held ahead of the Heroe’s Day commemoration, highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening food production and supporting community-driven initiatives.
Among the sites toured was the farm of Calicio Simone in the Singalamwe area, where a banana plantation trial is being conducted under the oversight of the Namibia Agronomic Board. Although the harvest was destroyed by frost, the minister praised the effort as an important step in testing new crops for the region.
The farm also grows maize and tomatoes, reflecting local efforts to diversify food production. Community leaders noted that land and water resources are sufficient and expressed readiness to form cooperatives, an initiative the ministry pledged to support through its regional office.
The delegation also visited a garden project led by a local woman and her husband, supported by fellow community members. The initiative produces tomatoes and other crops, contributing to household food security and livelihoods. Farmers raised challenges related to water and pest management, and the Ministry promised to collaborate with agricultural directors to address these concerns.
Assistance already provided includes solar panels and technical guidance, with further support under consideration.
Zaamwani commended the community’s resilience and called on youth and women to engage in agriculture, emphasising that fertile land combined with government backing can drive food security for Namibia.
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