Divundu prison farm produces over N$1 million worth of food

Divundu Correctional Facility in Kavango East is quietly powering a national food supply system worth over N$1 million per month, making it one of Namibia’s most productive state-run agricultural operations.In June 2025 alone, the facility produced and distributed N$964 438.80 worth of bread flour, maize meal, brown bread, sweet potatoes, and spinach to correctional facilities and police stations across the country. Deputy Commissioner Saima Kamwangha, who heads the facility, shared these figures yesterday, highlighting the prison's achievements and challenges.“We supply all 14 correctional facilities countrywide and over 100 police stations with food every month,” Kamwangha said, calling the facility “the food basket of the Namibian Correctional Service.”Supplying a nationAccording to data presented, Divundu produced and distributed 34 300 kg of bread flour worth N$377 300 to 12 correctional facilities, including Windhoek, Hardap, Oluno, and Swakopmund. It also delivered 36,400 kg of maize meal valued at N$309 400 to 13 facilities, alongside N$74 330 worth of brown bread and N$23 064 in spinach, all self-produced on-site.An additional N$9 644.80 in sweet potatoes was shared with other facilities and regional training centres. All produce was grown or processed using inmate labour on the prison’s 354.8 hectares of agricultural land.Beyond correctional facilities, the prison also supplied 19 650 kg of bread flour worth N$216 150 and 29 200 kg of maize meal valued at N$248 200 to 101 police stations across all 14 regions. A further 530 loaves of brown bread were also distributed to Divundu, Omega, and Ndiyona police stations.A good harvestKamwangha said Divundu planted maize in November 2024 and harvested in April this year, yielding 8.6 tonnes per hectare – surpassing the facility’s target of 7.5 tonnes. Seven centre pivots currently irrigate 166.7 hectares of the farmland.Spinach, beetroot, carrots, onions, and cabbage are cultivated on 2.7 hectares, while mango and guava orchards produced 13.8 tonnes of fruit earlier this year. “Our maize stock is sufficient to last until November 2026,” Kamwangha said, noting that wheat supplies will last six months, but a new wheat harvest is expected by October.Bread and flour are processed at the facility’s own bakery, which also supplies neighbouring police stations like Ndiyona.National impactThe correctional service uses the prison’s produce to feed inmates across Namibia. “We are consistent in supplying maize meal, wheat flour and Max 8 meal to all 14 facilities every month,” said Kamwangha. Max 8 meal is a fortified porridge made from crushed maize and beans.Divundu also assists government institutions by offering vehicle repair services through its workshop, and donates food to schools, refugee camps, and disaster relief programmes through the Office of the Prime Minister.“In just four expos we attended this year, we sold over N$50,000 worth of products,” Kamwangha added.Challenges persistDespite its success, the facility is hampered by outdated infrastructure, a lack of silos and a weighbridge, and a shortage of 521 correctional officers. Crops are threatened by wild animals, birds, and community theft, while power outages often disrupt irrigation.The facility has plans to expand its irrigation system by 60 hectares by 2026, upgrade security infrastructure, and introduce new crops like soya beans and fish farming.“Everything that’s seen as waste here is turned into animal feed,” Kamwangha noted, referring to their by-products, which are sold as cattle, pig, and chicken feed.phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

Divundu prison farm produces over N$1 million worth of food

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-24

Please login to leave a comment

Divundu prison farm produces over N$1 million worth of food

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-07-24

Please login to leave a comment

Login