The Namibia Agricultural Mechanisation and Seed Improvement Project (NAMSIP) has exceeded its certified seed production target for 2024, producing 1,500 metric tonnes, surpassing the annual goal of 1,200 metric tonnes.
The project has also created 500 temporary jobs and 100 permanent positions in the agricultural sector.
This achievement is part of the project’s ongoing efforts to modernise Namibia’s agricultural sector through mechanisation and seed improvement, according to the latest report from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
This comes as N$649.35 million has been disbursed out of the project’s total budget of N$999 million, which is co-financed by the AfDB and the Namibian government.
The AfDB’s contribution accounts for 80% of the total cost, equating to N$799.2 million. The remaining N$349.65 million is still available in the project’s subsequent phases.
“Certified seeds production reached 1,500 metric tonnes, surpassing the annual target of 1,200 metric tonnes by 25%,” said the AfDB.
In addition to seed production, the project has made strides in mechanisation, with the procurement of 150 tractors and 300 ploughs, achieving 100% of its equipment target.
However, according to the bank, the uptake of mechanised farming practices among farmers has been slower than anticipated.
Despite the availability of modern farming equipment, only 60% of the targeted beneficiaries have adopted these practices, falling short of the 75% goal set by the project.
The report also highlighted the positive impacts of the project on agricultural productivity.
“Yield per hectare has increased by 30% in areas where mechanised farming has been implemented,” it said.
While progress has been made, NAMSIP continues to face challenges. The report identified delays in procurement as a key hurdle, with the mechanisation equipment arriving six months behind schedule due to global supply chain disruptions.
Furthermore, climate variability has affected seed multiplication in certain regions, hindering the full achievement of the project’s potential in these areas.
In terms of capacity building, NAMSIP has trained 1,200 farmers in mechanisation and seed production techniques, representing 80% of the target of 1,500.
NAMSIP was approved on 3 December 2017, and is scheduled to be completed by 30 December 2026, under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform.
