Hand-in-hand approach key to ending hunger - Zaamwani
Agriculture minister Inge Zaamwani has called on Namibians to work “hand in hand” to transform the country’s food systems, aiming to achieve lasting food security and resilience against climate change.
In a speech read on her behalf by Alfred Sikopo during the recent commemoration of World Food Day, Zaamwani said this year’s theme, 'Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future', underscores the urgent need for collective action and collaboration to ensure that no Namibian has to experience hunger and malnutrition.
The event was held on Saturday in the Ncamagoro constituency in Kavango West.
“This commitment goes beyond addressing the hunger of today,” she said. “It is about laying the foundation for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient agri-food system that guarantees every Namibian the right to food and a dignified life.”
Zaamwani warned that Namibia remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which threaten agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
She said prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are putting immense pressure on natural resources, reducing crop yields and worsening food insecurity.
“These climatic shocks have far-reaching consequences,” the minister noted.
"They demand bold and innovative measures, stronger partnerships and a renewed commitment to building resilience within our agri-food systems.”
Continued efforts
Zaamwani reaffirmed government’s dedication to promoting sustainable agricultural growth through various initiatives such as the green scheme programme, value chain development schemes and the dry-land crop production programme.
These programmes, she said, are designed to enhance productivity, stimulate investment across the value chain, and create employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains the main source of livelihood.
“By investing in agriculture, we can increase household incomes and reduce poverty,” Zaamwani said.
World Food Day is commemorated annually to promote global awareness and action toward the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, while encouraging sustainable solutions for a better future.
In a speech read on her behalf by Alfred Sikopo during the recent commemoration of World Food Day, Zaamwani said this year’s theme, 'Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future', underscores the urgent need for collective action and collaboration to ensure that no Namibian has to experience hunger and malnutrition.
The event was held on Saturday in the Ncamagoro constituency in Kavango West.
“This commitment goes beyond addressing the hunger of today,” she said. “It is about laying the foundation for a sustainable, inclusive and resilient agri-food system that guarantees every Namibian the right to food and a dignified life.”
Zaamwani warned that Namibia remains highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which threaten agricultural production and rural livelihoods.
She said prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are putting immense pressure on natural resources, reducing crop yields and worsening food insecurity.
“These climatic shocks have far-reaching consequences,” the minister noted.
"They demand bold and innovative measures, stronger partnerships and a renewed commitment to building resilience within our agri-food systems.”
Continued efforts
Zaamwani reaffirmed government’s dedication to promoting sustainable agricultural growth through various initiatives such as the green scheme programme, value chain development schemes and the dry-land crop production programme.
These programmes, she said, are designed to enhance productivity, stimulate investment across the value chain, and create employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas where agriculture remains the main source of livelihood.
“By investing in agriculture, we can increase household incomes and reduce poverty,” Zaamwani said.
World Food Day is commemorated annually to promote global awareness and action toward the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, while encouraging sustainable solutions for a better future.
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