Patience Makwele
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has welcomed improved agricultural production at government-supported green schemes, describing the progress as a positive step toward strengthening national food security and rural economic development.
The president made the remarks during her visit to the Shadikongoro and Ndonga Linena green schemes in the Kavango East Region on Tuesday, where farm managers reported increased crop yields and improved operational performance compared to previous seasons.
At the Shadikongoro Green Scheme, assistant farm manager Lima Kativa told the president that despite exceptionally heavy rainfall experienced during the current season, the project had recorded encouraging results.
Kativa said the sunflower crop had already been successfully harvested, while expectations remain high for a strong maize harvest in the coming weeks.
Management also revealed plans to diversify production during the next planting season through the cultivation of watermelon, pumpkin, cabbage and butternut in an effort to expand the scheme’s agricultural output.
While all center pivots are currently operational, management highlighted aging and inadequate farming equipment as one of the major obstacles limiting the scheme’s full production potential.
The president later visited the Ndonga Linena Green Scheme, where farm manager Janno Rentel reported that the project expects one of its strongest harvests to date.
According to Rentel, maize production is projected to reach approximately 4,754 metric tons from 574 hectares under cultivation during the 2025/26 summer cropping season.
The projected harvest represents a significant increase from the previous season and positions Ndonga Linena as the largest contributor within the national green scheme program this season.
Economic commentator Alex Shoopala Murangi said the improved performance of green scheme projects demonstrates the importance of investing in agricultural productivity as part of Namibia’s broader food security strategy.
“Projects such as Ndonga Linena show that with proper management and investment, green schemes can make a meaningful contribution to reducing Namibia’s reliance on imported food products. Increased maize production is particularly important because it strengthens domestic food supply and enhances economic resilience,” Murangi said.
He cautioned, however, that production gains alone would not guarantee long-term success.
“The government must ensure that increased output is supported by efficient transportation networks, market access and adequate agricultural infrastructure. Producing more food is only one part of the equation. Farmers must also be able to move their produce to markets efficiently and profitably,” he said.
Murangi added that the decision by Ndonga Linena to finance part of its winter cropping program through internally generated revenue was a positive sign.
“When a farming project begins reinvesting its own earnings into future production, it signals progress toward financial sustainability. That is ultimately what government-supported agricultural projects should be striving for,” he said.
Despite the positive outlook, Rentel said the scheme continues to face challenges related to high transportation costs and limited access to reliable markets for locally produced maize.
He added that preparations for the winter cropping season are already underway, with 196 hectares planted under wheat and 22 hectares under oats.
The winter cropping program is being financed from revenue generated by the farm itself, a development management says reflects improved financial sustainability.
Nandi-Ndaitwah commended both green scheme management and small-scale farmers for their contribution to agricultural production and employment creation.
She said the projects continue to play an important role in supporting livelihoods through permanent, seasonal and small-scale farming opportunities while contributing to the country’s food security objectives.
The president also called on the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform to continue providing support to green schemes to ensure they achieve their full productive capacity.
“I am going back happy,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said after concluding her tour of agricultural projects in the region.
During engagements with small-scale farmers, the president encouraged producers to remain committed to food production, saying increased local agricultural output remains critical to Namibia’s food security agenda.
The Kavango East visits form part of a broader national tour of government-supported agricultural projects, which has also included the Etunda Green Scheme in the Omusati Region, the Ekoka Brownfield Green Scheme in the Ohangwena Region, the Sikondo Green Scheme in the Kavango West Region and the Uvhungu-Vhungu Green Scheme in the Kavango East Region.
