Namibia’s irrigation potential untapped

Around 11 000 hectares of land in Namibia is currently irrigated, with 40% land area that can still potentially be irrigated.Agriculture minister Calle Schlettwein highlighted this during a presentation to the Governors Forum in Katima Mulilo.The minister said the main activities in the agriculture sector are livestock farming, which contributes N$4.7 billion to the economy, and horticulture farming, which contributes N$3.52 billion.He said the sector employs approximately 23% of the total workforce and contributes between 5% and 7% to the gross domestic product (GDP).LimitedHigh input costs, however, make agricultural entrepreneurship an expensive undertaking in Namibia, the minister explained.He further noted that although 70% of Namibians depend on agriculture, there is limited potential as only 27 000 hectares of land is considered suitable for irrigation.He said the annual demand for grain in the country is 200 000 tonnes, while production is only between 60 000 and 80 000 tonnes per year, leaving a deficit that has to be imported.According to Schlettwein, the meat and grain processing industry in Namibia is fairly developed but there is more scope for a diversified value chain.Increase outputThe ministry is currently putting the winter and summer green schemes into production while completing the process of outsourcing in accordance with the green scheme policy.Eight irrigation projects are due for outsourcing to private investors by competitive bidding, Schlettwein said."This will increase production, productivity, jobs and recoup the investment made."He added that requests for proposals are expected to be issued in phases over the next six months.The first request for proposals for the Uvhungu Vhungu Dairy Farm has closed, and the ministry is currently evaluating the bids, he said.OpportunitiesThe minister said that a 2 000-hectare irrigation area will be developed at the Katima Mulilo Liselo green scheme for the production of wheat and vegetables. The site has been identified and a feasibility study and environmental impact assessment (EIA) must still be completed.A 2 000-hectare irrigation area will also be developed at the Zone green scheme for the production of animal feed and maize. The site has been identified and the feasibility study has been completed.At the Neckartal green scheme, a 5 000-hectare irrigation area will be developed for the production of table grapes, dates, maize, wheat and vegetables. The site has been identified and both the feasibility study and EIA completed.At the Tandjieskoppe green scheme, a 4 000-hectare irrigation area will be developed for the production of lucerne, table grapes, dates and vegetables. The site has been identified and the feasibility study has been completed.

Namibia’s irrigation potential untapped

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-04

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Namibia’s irrigation potential untapped

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-04

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