Farming needs business skills, not just passion — AgraProvision

Farming driven by passion alone is not enough to build a sustainable livelihood. Farmers need the right skills to transform their passion into a sustainable income and long-term success.This was the message from Fiona Anderson, manager of AgraProvision, during the announcement of Nedbank Namibia’s N$560 000 sponsorship of the Agra Agricultural Academy. The sponsorship will cover the full tuition and registration fees of 20 students, helping to remove financial barriers for emerging agricultural professionals.Anderson described the funding as “an investment in transformation,” not merely financial support.“Agriculture is the backbone of every strong economy,” she said. “It feeds nations, fuels industries, and sustains livelihoods. We must equip the next generation with knowledge and skills to lead us to a food-secure future.”Business mindsetAnderson said many people enter agriculture with deep commitment and a strong work ethic but lack the management training needed to operate successful farming businesses. She emphasised that agriculture must be approached with the same strategic thinking as other industries.“We need to adopt the mindset of a business when it comes to farming,” she said. “That’s why we offer farm management training — from basic to advanced levels — to help farmers run their operations like businesses.”AgraProvision’s training programmes cover a range of practical topics, including livestock and crop production, cattle breeding, piggery, poultry, horticulture, and even rabbit farming. Additional modules address essential areas such as water infrastructure and agrichemicals, both of which are crucial for sustainable production in Namibia’s climate.The aim is to prepare farmers to think commercially, manage their resources effectively, and build enterprises that are both profitable and resilient.Pathways to prosperityIn addition to production skills, AgraProvision’s curriculum includes courses focused on enterprise development. These cover entrepreneurship, customer service, merchandising, and financial literacy — areas often neglected in conventional agricultural education.“These are not just courses,” Anderson said. “They are pathways to prosperity.”AgraProvision’s training is backed by SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) accreditation and is recognised by the Namibia Qualifications Authority. This means that learners graduate with certified qualifications that improve both their employability and their potential to start or expand businesses.Anderson also highlighted the role of strategic partners like the Namibia Agronomic Board in helping the academy connect theory with real-world application.“We are not working in isolation,” she said. “Collaboration strengthens the sector.”Supporting adult learners and rural accessMany of AgraProvision’s students are adults juggling work and family responsibilities. Full-time, in-person study is not always possible. To accommodate this, the academy offers flexible online learning that allows students to study at their own pace, from anywhere in the country.“We understand the realities,” Anderson said. “Not everyone can sit in a classroom five days a week. That’s why we’ve made our programmes accessible and flexible.”The online delivery format is especially important for students in rural areas, where infrastructure challenges often make it difficult to access formal education. By offering remote learning, AgraProvision expands its reach to underserved communities and supports learners who would otherwise be left out.Anderson said this flexible approach is essential to making agricultural training more inclusive.“We are adult learners with different needs,” she said. “Our model reflects that.”Looking ahead, AgraProvision plans to expand its training portfolio to focus more on youth, women, and farmworkers. These groups are central to the future of Namibian agriculture, and Anderson said new development programmes will be launched specifically with them in mind.She also encouraged more public and private partners to join AgraProvision in making agricultural education accessible.“Education is expensive,” she said. “But through partnerships, we can ease that burden and make real progress.“Namibia’s agricultural future depends on a skilled, adaptable, and business-minded workforce,” she added. “We must continue investing in people if we want a sustainable and secure future.”

Farming needs business skills, not just passion — AgraProvision

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-12

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Farming needs business skills, not just passion — AgraProvision

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-12

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