Sostenus Wilherm
Namibia’s agricultural development agenda has received a major boost through a N$28.5 million trust fund agreement between the People’s Republic of China and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The fund supports the deployment of Chinese agricultural experts to strengthen local skills, improve production and promote modern farming technologies.
The funding arrangement forms the foundation of the South-South Cooperation Project Phase II, a technical partnership aimed at enhancing Namibia’s agricultural capacity through knowledge exchange, technology transfer and practical support to farmers and institutions.
Speaking during a ceremony held at the ministry of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform in Windhoek on Friday, acting executive director Petrus-Canisius Nangolo said the China-FAO funded initiative represents an important milestone in Namibia’s efforts to build a more productive and resilient agricultural sector.
“The project has already produced encouraging and measurable results. These achievements are a clear indication of the project’s positive contribution to agricultural skills development, technology transfer and capacity building,” Nangolo said.
The project has seen China commit 14 agricultural experts and technicians to support implementation in Namibia.
Eight long-term experts have already been deployed across the country, working with government institutions and farming communities, while five additional specialists have now arrived to expand the programme’s reach.
Nangolo said the arrival of the new experts demonstrates the continued commitment by Namibia, China and the FAO to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and fisheries while addressing challenges affecting food production.
“The project has become an important platform for sharing knowledge and practical expertise between the two countries, enabling Namibian farmers and agricultural institutions to benefit from international experience while strengthening local capacity,” he said.
The South-South Cooperation Project Phase II, launched in October 2024, focuses on improving agricultural production through technical cooperation and structured knowledge sharing.
The initiative covers various areas of agriculture, including aquaculture, horticulture, livestock production, poultry farming, fisheries development, plant health, seed production, value chain development, vocational training and soil fertility management.
Nangolo said these interventions are expected to improve productivity and help farmers adopt modern and sustainable agricultural practices.
The project comes at a time when Namibia is seeking solutions to strengthen food security amid challenges such as climate change, drought conditions and limited agricultural productivity.
The government has identified agriculture as a key sector for rural development, employment creation and reducing reliance on imported food.
Through the Chinese expertise provided under the agreement, local farmers and agricultural institutions are expected to benefit from improved technical knowledge and practical skills that can support long-term agricultural growth.
Nangolo also highlighted the project’s focus on empowering women and young people, saying their participation is essential for the future sustainability of Namibia’s agricultural sector.
He said the knowledge and technologies introduced through the programme are contributing towards stronger institutions and better-equipped farming communities.
Nangolo welcomed the newly arrived experts, urging them to build on the achievements of their predecessors and continue contributing towards Namibia’s agricultural development objectives.
“You join a project that is already making a tangible impact on the lives of farmers and rural communities. We are confident that your knowledge, expertise and dedication will further strengthen the project’s achievements and contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s agricultural development goals,” he said.
The ceremony also marked the departure of four Chinese experts who had completed their two-year assignments under the project. Nangolo praised their contribution, saying their technical support had strengthened Namibia’s agricultural capacity.
“Your hard work, professionalism and technical expertise have left a lasting impact. The knowledge you have shared, the partnerships you have built and the skills you have transferred will continue to benefit our institutions and farming communities for many years to come,” he said.
He added that the partnership between Namibia, China and the FAO reflects a shared commitment to sustainable agricultural development and stronger international cooperation.
