President Nangolo Mbumba has called on Namibia’s green schemes to enhance food production, emphasising the need to combat hunger by utilising available land and resources.
During a visit to the Shadikongoro Green Scheme in Kavango East, Mbumba highlighted the collective responsibility required to achieve food security.
“We are here to make sure our green schemes truly produce food—not just for one community or region, but for the whole country. If people are hungry, they are unhappy, and we cannot allow hunger to persist,” said Mbumba.
To address the challenges posed by prolonged droughts, Mbumba stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration, particularly involving traditional authorities, local leaders and regional councillors.
He urged communities to support young managers of the green schemes to ensure their success in agricultural efforts.
“We must work together to help the managers, our young people, produce the food we need. This is not a task for individuals, it’s a national effort to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry,” he said.
The President noted the visible effects of drought in the Kavango regions, where some areas remain critically dry.
While praising the ongoing preparation of agricultural land, he appealed for prayers for adequate rainfall, describing it as vital to achieving food security.
“Those who know how to pray, please pray that we get plenty of rain this year. The Kavango regions are unusually dry, and rain will make all the difference in our ability to produce food,” Mbumba stated.
During his visit to the Musese Green Scheme, Mbumba commended private investor Winni Metzger for fostering partnerships with the community.
He pointed to such collaborations as examples of what could be achieved with the support of government and local leadership.
“With the understanding and blessings of government and local leaders, we can improve how we produce food, generate energy and manage water. These efforts are crucial for a food-secure Namibia,” he said.
Mbumba called for timely government support to green schemes, urging the repair and replacement of equipment to ensure efficient operations.
He emphasised that Namibia has the resources to produce its food and reduce dependence on external aid.
“We have the land, we have the capacity, and we have a smaller population compared to other countries. There is no reason why Namibia cannot be a proud producer of its own food,” Mbumba said.
The President undertook familiarisation visits to green schemes in Kavango East and West regions. He visited the Sikondo, Uvhungu Vhungu Green Schemes and Mashare Blueberry and Irrigation Projects.
The developments come as the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform said it is seeking an 84% budget boost to bridge the budget shortfall, with N$400 million urgently needed for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Only N$65 million has been allocated to agriculture for the 2024-2025 financial year, representing a mere 16% of the required funds and a 54% reduction from the last allocation of N$120 million.
The Ministry’s Deputy Minister Anna Shiweda stated that the allocated funds cover the Etunda Irrigation Project’s development and a total overhaul of green schemes, ensuring their uninterrupted operation for the next 15 to 20 years.
“During the 2024-2025 financial year, an amount of N$65,000,000 has been allocated to the Green Scheme Projects including the Neckartal Dam Phase 2 Irrigation Project. I would like to draw the attention of the Honourable Members that to optimally intensify production at the Green Scheme Projects, a total of N$400,000,000 is still required during the 2024-2025 financial year,” said the Deputy Minister earlier this year.
