Opportunities amid challenges for small-scale farmers

Despite the important role of small-scale farmers in food production, they face many challenges, including major threats such as climate change.

At the recently held Ohangwena International Agri-food Confex in Eenhana, agriculture deputy minister Anna Shiweda said that the contribution of small-scale farmers to global food production and food security cannot be overemphasised.

The event was aimed at empowering small-scale farmers through the sharing of information, knowledge, and experiences.

According to the deputy minister, 80% of food around the world, in value terms, is produced by small-scale family farms. She underlined further that women are key to the success of these farms.

"However, despite their role and contribution to farming, small-scale farmers, in particular female producers, encounter a lot of challenges."

Eradicate challenges

This ranges from limited access to technology, inputs and credit, and, most importantly, access to land. Shiweda underlined further that one of the main threats to agriculture's sustainability is climate change and climate variability.

"Addressing these challenges is critical if we are to attain the targets to end hunger and poverty by 2030."

She said that in many African countries, agriculture is one of the most important pillars of the economy, as the majority of the populations depend directly or indirectly on this sector for their livelihood.

In Namibia, 70% of the population depends on agriculture in terms of employment, income and food security.

Identify opportunities

Shiweda said that government has therefore been implementing policies and programmes that cover livestock, crop, horticulture, water and land reform sub-sectors with the main objective of eradicating poverty and hunger in the country.

She said 11 agricultural value-chain schemes have been identified, of which beef, horticulture, poultry, and cereals are but a few.

"All these value chains present upstream and downstream agribusiness opportunities that can be explored by both large and small farming enterprises and entrepreneurs, particularly the youth."

Government has created an enabling environment over the years that serves as a basis for producers, and the agro-industry players in general, to engage in viable business undertakings and ventures, with forward and backward value-chain linkages, she explained.

"Essentially, the onus is now on our producers to adopt a business approach to the agriculture, water and land reform sectors by taking advantage of the enabling environment and existing agribusiness opportunities to contribute to the transformation and growth of these important sectors."

Branching out

She said the Ohangwena Region presents many opportunities in terms of agricultural production and agribusiness development.

"This is particularly so in view of the underground water resources that are in the process of being developed under phase II of the Ohangwena aquifer."

Shiweda said that once fully developed, there will be no reason why green schemes cannot be established in this region.

"Therefore, please do not hesitate to share what you know, as there is a large food deficit and a wide food import gap of about 47% that we, as a nation, need to address. Hence, this import gap presents ample opportunities for all of us to participate in agriculture production and agri-business in this region and beyond."

The deputy minister said green schemes are now on offer to the private sector in order to encourage broader participation in the development of irrigated agronomic production.

The target is to put 27 000 hectares under irrigation by 2030.

Together

In addition, the agriculture ministry is also spearheading the National Horticulture Initiative.

According to her, this initiative aims to promote the production and marketing of fruits and vegetables, at small- and medium-scale levels, by supporting the establishment of collection points or centres for agricultural produce, such as vegetables and fruits.

"The ultimate objective of this effort is to reduce our overdependence on imported fruits and vegetables while creating a market for our local producers."

She said that it is equally important to highlight that agricultural mechanisation and technology are key for agriculture production.

"I am reliably informed that the process of signing contracts with the various suppliers of tractors with matching implements is at an advanced stage."

The equipment is aimed at providing timely and affordable subsidised agricultural services to farmers.

She urged all current and prospective farmers and entrepreneurs to participate in the schemes and initiatives highlighted in order to intensify agricultural production in the country with the common objective of realising national food self-sufficiency.