Divundu petition seeks halt to blueberry farm expansion

Some residents in Divundu have petitioned the urban and rural development ministry to halt the proposed expansion of Namibia Berries’ blueberry farm towards the town, alleging that affected landowners were not consulted and that the ownership and jurisdiction of the land remain unclear.

The petition, dated 29 October and written by Divundu village headman Rumbamba Dimbindo, questions the village council’s handling of the land allocation process and calls for a ministerial investigation into its authority to allocate the land.

However, Divundu Village Council chairperson Wensel Kana denied that the council had approved the expansion, saying Namibia Berries had only submitted an application that was still under consideration.

“The council did not approve that. They only submitted an application which we've not yet approved,” he said.

Job creator

Namibia Berries operates a hydroponic blueberry farm in the Kavango East region. The company recorded its first harvest of approximately 190 tonnes in 2024 and supplies international export markets while providing employment opportunities in the area.

The farm provides 171 permanent and about 1 000 seasonal jobs.

Dimbindo claims the project was introduced through the Divundu Village Council in mid-2023.

“However, according to our understanding, the council did not consult the landowners before the project was introduced,” the petition reads.

Dimbindo claims some residents who supported the project were hoping to secure employment rather than representing the interests of landowners.

He further claimed that the community had been told the land belonged to the government, despite being outside Divundu’s serviced area.

He stressed that the community did not oppose agricultural investment but wanted clarity on land ownership, the council's jurisdiction and the consultation process.

“We believe that development should benefit the community and must be carried out transparently, fairly, and with respect for the rights of the affected landowners,” it adds.

Application still pending

Kana said residents were confusing the submission of an application with the granting of permission.

“Proposing doesn't mean that the person has been granted the approval,” he stressed.

He said the council was still dealing with internal matters concerning the application and was awaiting a response from the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN).