Jona Musheko
The resettlement of cooperative groups under the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act is one the way to ensure equitable access to land. This policy has empowered individuals to unite and form cooperatives, thereby enhancing their prospects of securing farming units. However, a comprehensive understanding of the regulations governing the formation and operation of these cooperatives is essential for ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Eligibility and formation of cooperative groups
The National Resettlement Program is founded on three (3) types of working allotments: i) Individual Holdings, ii) Group Holdings and iii) Co-Operative Holdings and other Legal Entities.
According to the Co-operatives Act No. 23 of 1996, Section 10 (1) states that ‘’any person may participate in forming a co-operative or of becoming a member of a co-operative’’. (2) No natural person shall be qualified to form or to participate in forming a co-operative or of becoming a member of a co-operative unless such person – (a) is at least 18 or, in the case of a co-operative of which all its members are learners at a school, 14 years of age; and (b) in the case of a minor, is assisted by his or her parent or guardian; (c) is a citizen of, or otherwise ordinarily resident in, Namibia; (d) complies with such other requirements as may be prescribed by the by-laws of such co-operative.’’
The Co-operatives Act No. 23 of 1996 and the Namibia Co-operative Policy guide the above practice.
About the formulation of Co-operative or related matters, interested person/s may acquaint themselves with Co-operatives Act No. 23 of 1996 and the Namibia Co-operative Policy.
Handling applications from deceased members
In the event a registered Co-operative is allocated a resettlement farming unit/s and a member of the said Co-operative is deceased, the by-laws of the Co-operative is what will guide the processes to follow, if a deceased member is to be replaced. Please refer to Co-operatives Act No. 23 of 1996 Section 11. Please note further that, for the replacement of a deceased member resettled under a Co-operative, an application for inheritance to replace the deceased member under the Co-operative, may be lodged with the respective Regional Division Lands Office, wherein the farm is situated, provided that 2.1 is adhered to. The process for the inheritance for the replacement of the deceased member or change of membership will be done in accordance with the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act No. 6 of 1995, Section 53. Alternatively, for queries or assistance, one may contact the following respective Division Lands Office/s.
Application process for farming units
The application process for farming units involves the following steps:
Advertising: Farming units are advertised in the local print media.
Submission: Applicants must submit their completed application forms within the specified deadline.
Evaluation: The Regional Resettlement Committees (RRCs) evaluate each application based on various criteria, including agricultural qualifications, experience, and affirmative action principles.
Recommendation: RRCs recommend the highest-scoring applicants to the Land Reform Advisory Commission (LRAC).
Selection: The LRAC selects suitable applicants based on their scores and other relevant factors.
Ministerial Approval: The LRAC’s recommendations are submitted to the Minister for approval.
Announcement: Successful applicants are announced in the local print media.
Ensuring fairness and transparency
To ensure that the process is fair and transparent, the Ministry through the Agricultural (Commercial) Land Reform Act, 1995 (Act No.6 of 1995) has established a Regional Resettlement Committee in each of the 14 Regions. On those Committees, the following categories/groups are always represented, among other institutions:
People with disabilities, Women, Traditional Authorities, Farmers Union. Veterans and Youth
Jona Musheko is the spokesperson of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land reform.
