The role of Traditional Authorities in agriculture

Namibia is home to many communal areas under the administration of Traditional Authorities. The country’s aspirations to achieve food security, and the crucial role of land in this endeavour, underscore the influence of Traditional Authorities (TAs) in overseeing land for agricultural production.For instance, during a recent potato harvest, King Omukwaniilwa Fillemon Nangolo and the leadership of the Ondonga Traditional Authority demonstrated the vital role these institutions play in agriculture.Land is a key factor of production in any agricultural enterprise. To this end, TAs responsible for communal land are essential stakeholders who can help transform these areas into food-producing hubs.TAs can contribute significantly by making land available for the development of agricultural projects focused on producing cereal crops, such as maize, mahangu, wheat and sorghum as well as vegetables, fruit trees and fodder. By making land accessible to government for developmental purposes, TAs can help create employment opportunities for local communities.These communities can be involved in land clearing activities such as slashing, burning, stumping and levelling. Furthermore, the fencing of land can also generate jobs.Driving community-led agricultural projectsAnother important role for TAs is mobilising community members to discuss the importance of developing local agricultural initiatives. These projects can be funded through donations collected via monthly contributions, either in cash or in kind (such as tools, machinery and labour).For example, in the Ngoma area of the Zambezi Region, the chief and his community could allocate a 50-hectare plot of land adjacent to the Chobe River and invite 50 members to contribute funds or services to assist with fencing, land clearing, levelling, and installing an irrigation system.The land could be used to grow maize under irrigation from August to November, or under rainfed conditions. From May to August, it could be used for producing winter vegetables or livestock fodder. The produce could then be sold directly to government institutions such as school hostels, military bases, and hospitals.Approximately 60% of the revenue could be reinvested into the project to expand its operations, while the remaining 40% could be distributed as dividends to project members. This model could be replicated in communal areas administered by Traditional Authorities across Namibia, enhancing local food production and promoting the value of collective investment.Linking farmers to support systemsTAs can also encourage community members in rural areas to engage in small-scale crop, poultry, and livestock production. To support this, they can help facilitate access to markets and input suppliers, ensuring that essential farming services are available and accessible.Finally, as many TAs are well informed about the agricultural activities within their communities, they can assist farmers in applying for tailored training programmes and accessing financing from development finance institutions. These interventions could significantly boost productivity, improve food security, create jobs, and increase household incomes.

The role of Traditional Authorities in agriculture

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-23

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The role of Traditional Authorities in agriculture

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-23

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