Swakopmund municipality boosts agriculture
The Swakopmund municipality is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative set to transform 90 plots of one hectare each into productive agricultural hubs.
In an attempt to raise community engagement and promote sustainable urban agriculture, the decision, approved by council on 23 February 2023, signals a significant step towards harnessing the potential of available land resources around the new sewage treatment plant.
The approved project, scheduled for completion by August, is expected to commence full operations by September, opening avenues for a diverse range of agricultural activities. While livestock farming is excluded due to land size constraints and the absence of natural grazing vegetation, opportunities are rife for crop production and chicken farming, among other agricultural enterprises.
Municipal spokesperson Linda Mupupa emphasised the community-centric focus of the endeavour, highlighting its potential to benefit residents and stimulate economic growth.
“This initiative is earmarked to benefit the community and promote urban agriculture in Swakopmund, which refines many benefits such as access to fresh, healthy food and business opportunities,” Mupupa said.
Proactive approach
In the midst of a water crisis, council has assured that the key to the success of the project is ensuring reliable water supply for agricultural operations. To this end, the municipality has undertaken measures to provide the plots with both fresh water and treated effluent (semi-purified water), with plans underway to further purify the semi-purified water to meet the standards required for crop production.
The initiative not only accentuates the town’s commitment to sustainable development but also reflects a proactive approach to addressing food security and community empowerment. By leveraging available resources and fostering local engagement, the municipality aims to create a model of urban agriculture that serves as a beacon of innovation and progress.
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In an attempt to raise community engagement and promote sustainable urban agriculture, the decision, approved by council on 23 February 2023, signals a significant step towards harnessing the potential of available land resources around the new sewage treatment plant.
The approved project, scheduled for completion by August, is expected to commence full operations by September, opening avenues for a diverse range of agricultural activities. While livestock farming is excluded due to land size constraints and the absence of natural grazing vegetation, opportunities are rife for crop production and chicken farming, among other agricultural enterprises.
Municipal spokesperson Linda Mupupa emphasised the community-centric focus of the endeavour, highlighting its potential to benefit residents and stimulate economic growth.
“This initiative is earmarked to benefit the community and promote urban agriculture in Swakopmund, which refines many benefits such as access to fresh, healthy food and business opportunities,” Mupupa said.
Proactive approach
In the midst of a water crisis, council has assured that the key to the success of the project is ensuring reliable water supply for agricultural operations. To this end, the municipality has undertaken measures to provide the plots with both fresh water and treated effluent (semi-purified water), with plans underway to further purify the semi-purified water to meet the standards required for crop production.
The initiative not only accentuates the town’s commitment to sustainable development but also reflects a proactive approach to addressing food security and community empowerment. By leveraging available resources and fostering local engagement, the municipality aims to create a model of urban agriculture that serves as a beacon of innovation and progress.
[email protected]
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