Small-scale farmers cry foul at Ndonga Linena

Disgruntled small-scale farmers at the Ndonga Linena Green Scheme have accused the scheme's management of neglecting their operations and undermining their efforts to produce food.In interviews with Namibian Sun last week, chairperson and vice-chairperson of the small-scale farmers’ committee, Boysen Mutelo and Nande Lazarus Shamutu, outlined a series of grievances, including alleged delays in land preparation, misallocation of resources and a breakdown in communication.“We began harvesting on 14 May. As per our agreement, land preparation was supposed to begin immediately. But that didn’t happen,” Mutelo said. “Now, we are at the end of July, and most of us haven’t planted anything. The land remains untouched, while the commercial side is fully planted.”The scheme operates with two distinct components: a commercial area, managed directly by the scheme’s farm manager and focused on large-scale production, and plots allocated to small-scale farmers, who are expected to cultivate, harvest and sell produce to earn an income.The small-scale farmers are supported by an agronomist assigned specifically to assist them.Costly enterprises According to the small-scale farmers, the current status quo has severe consequences. “Many of us have been farming here for over 15 years. We were supposed to graduate to medium-scale farmers by now, but nothing is happening. Instead, we’re being treated like children. It feels like deliberate sabotage,” Shamutu claimed. The farmers allege, for example, that wheat seed intended for their use was planted by the commercial division under the scheme management's supervision, despite delivery notes clearly stating “small-scale farmer.”They also lamented limited access to essential farming equipment such as boom sprayers and broadcasters, poor soil conditions and soaring electricity bills – with some saying they pay up to N$92 000 per season.“The cost of inputs and utilities is crippling. Even though we buy our diesel at double the cost, we are expected to break even with poor yields due to delays,” Mutelo said.Out of his handsWhen approached for comment last week, the scheme's farm manager, Janno Rentel denied the allegations, pointing to systemic and logistical challenges beyond his control.“The ministry advised against procuring winter inputs for small-scale farmers due to issues with cost recovery,” Rentel explained. “I’ve written letters, I have proof. The decision came from above.”Rentel admitted to communication challenges and said that while he holds weekly meetings with the farmers’ committee, he avoids full-group meetings due to unproductive confrontations. “I’m here to work. I concentrate on the commercial side because that’s where my focus is right now. Small-scale farmers are difficult to manage.”He acknowledged that a seed mix-up had occurred but said it was the result of a supplier error. “The wrong goods were booked as small-scale farmer stock. It wasn’t intentional. I didn’t see the paperwork until after the planting had started.”Improvements achieved Rentel further defended his performance, stating that under his leadership, commercial production had improved significantly and that issues with diesel, drainage and equipment were being addressed in collaboration with the ministry. “I’m doing my best with the limited resources available,” he said.However, farmers claim that the root issue is poor management and a lack of accountability. “There’s no transparency. We haven’t had a single meeting with Rentel since he arrived. If you raise issues, you’re ignored or threatened with eviction,” one farmer alleged.They are now calling on the agriculture ministry to step in, revive the defunct steering committees and institute regular monitoring of service providers. “We are not lazy. We are ready to produce. But without support, we can’t feed our families – let alone the nation.”phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na

Small-scale farmers cry foul at Ndonga Linena

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-04

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Small-scale farmers cry foul at Ndonga Linena

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-04

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