Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Natural Resources has recommended increasing Agribank’s funding scheme for resettled farmers to at least N$1 million.
This recommendation follows a study by the committee, conducted between May and August 2023, which highlighted the financial challenges faced by resettled farmers.
The committee’s report, released last week, found that many resettled farmers struggle to run their farms productively due to insufficient start-up capital.
The committee also recommended that the resettlement policy consider issuing farmers with title deeds, which could be used as collateral to access loans from financial institutions.
Currently, resettled farmers do not have title deeds, limiting their ability to secure financing.
Additionally, the committee noted a lack of youth involvement in the resettlement program and urged the introduction of a quota system to address this gap.
The committee emphasised the need for an active monitoring mechanism and punitive measures for defaulting resettled farmers who fail to be productive or violate regulations, such as sub-leasing farming units.
To combat the high rate of stock theft, farmers were encouraged to establish neighbourhood watch programs to support law enforcement efforts.
The committee also directed the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security to expedite the construction of police stations or satellite stations in strategic locations to enhance security.
Further recommendations included the promotion of mentorship programs for resettled farmers, involving successful peers and attaching students to such initiatives.
The committee also urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform (MAWLR) to support local production of seeds and fertilisers to reduce dependency on imports.
Additionally, the committee called for better harmonisation of activities within the MAWLR to effectively address the needs of resettled farmers.
These measures aim to improve the productivity and sustainability of resettled farms while addressing systemic challenges in the resettlement program.
