The government has allocated N$4 million in the 2025/2026 financial year to support 40 small-scale farmers in the Erongo and Omusati regions.
The funding is part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform’s Small Stock Distribution and Development in Communal Areas (SSDDCA) programme.
“For this current financial year, N$4 million has been allocated, targeting 40 farmers in the Erongo and Omusati regions,” said Agriculture Minister Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi.
Each selected farmer will receive 20 ewes and one ram, bringing the total to 800 ewes and 40 rams across the two regions.
“This marks the beginning of the programme’s second round, during which all 14 regions are expected to benefit,” she said.
The SSDDCA, introduced in 2009, has so far benefited 779 farmers nationwide. To date, 15,580 ewes and 779 rams have been distributed.
Zaamwani-Kamwi said the programme is based on a revolving model where farmers are expected to return a set number of animals to keep the initiative going.
She was speaking at the launch of the Hope Farm Project at Farm David West in Usakos. She said the SSDDCA is aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting food security, and supporting income generation.
“This investment not only empowers farmers but also supports the national goals of reducing poverty, enhancing food production, and uplifting rural communities,” she said.
The Ministry is working with partners including the Swakop Uranium Foundation and regional authorities to provide veterinary support, training and follow-up services.
“Together, we are ensuring that beneficiaries not only receive livestock, but also the necessary training, veterinary support, and follow-up monitoring to make sure they succeed,” she said.
