Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Inge Zaamwani says Namibian farmers currently meet 56% of the country’s vegetable demand, as reforms are under to increase this to over 60% by 2030.
She said the growth has been credited to state-driven schemes such as the Market Share Promotion (MSP), introduced in 2004, which requires fresh produce importers to source a minimum of 47% of products locally.
“Namibia continues to import certain fresh vegetables primarily due to seasonal supply gaps, high production input costs, and limited irrigation infrastructure. For example, potatoes, one of our major imports, require production input costs of over N$250,000 per hectare, and we remain reliant on imported seed potatoes, mostly from South Africa,” said Zaamwani.
The ministry aims to raise the domestic supply share to 60% by 2030. In 2004, Namibia’s production capacity stood at only 4%. Imports of 21 key vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and butternut, are restricted during periods of sufficient local supply through the Special Controlled Products Scheme.
“Through the Green Scheme Programme, the Ministry is expanding irrigated agriculture along perennial rivers, dams, and boreholes. As was the case in the past, we will also engage Traditional Authorities to access and develop land for communal irrigation schemes, in line with regional agro-ecological conditions,” she said.
Addressing underutilised arable land, the ministry is promoting climate-appropriate cultivation under a reviewed crop value chain strategy. Plans include scaling up Green Scheme projects and developing regionally suited crops.
“Agriculture has huge potential to tackle youth unemployment. The Ministry is aiming to mainstream youth employment in the implementation of programmes for the development of the agriculture sector,” Zaamwani said.
This includes targeted training for young people and women, incentives for financial institutions to support youth-led farming enterprises, and placement opportunities in small-scale Green Scheme farms.
The ministry is also coordinating with other government departments to prioritise the procurement of locally sourced produce. A review of key agricultural policies and legislation is scheduled for the 2025/26 financial year, including the Namibia Agriculture Policy and the Agronomic Industry Act regulations.
“These reforms will aim to enhance food production and productivity, strengthen local market access and value chains, create sustainable employment, encourage private-sector partnerships and agro-processing, and improve climate resilience,” Zaamwani said.
While Namibia must comply with international trade obligations under the World Trade Organisation, the country has exercised its rights under the Agronomic Industry Act to implement targeted import restrictions.
“Despite climate challenges, particularly drought in 2023/24 and 2024/25, this policy has helped stabilise farmer incomes and market access,” she added.
