Niël Terblanché
The minister of agriculture, water and land reform, Calle Schlettwein, urged all agriculture stakeholders to prioritise food security, equitable land distribution, and sustainable water management to address pressing challenges.
Speaking at the ministry’s Management Review Workshop for the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year in Swakopmund on Monday, Schlettwein outlined key achievements, ongoing efforts, and areas for urgent intervention.
“This is a challenging year. The public is looking to us to continue to remedy the impacts of drought both nationally and at the household level. We should expedite the implementation of drought measures to realise immediate impact on the ground,” he said
Schlettwein stressed the interconnectedness of agriculture, water, and land reform, describing them as the cornerstones on which the well-being of our nation rests.
With regard to recent progress, he reported that rural households’ access to potable water now stands at 91.5%, thanks to infrastructure improvements that include 16 newly constructed earth dams, 136 boreholes, and over 2,600 private off-takes.
The Minister also noted the installation of 238 sanitation facilities countrywide, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to improving living conditions in rural areas.
On the agricultural front, Namibia has taken decisive steps to protect livestock and crop production from external threats.
Schlettwein said that the recent suspension of imports from regions affected by outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease, Goss’s Wilt in maize, and Bud Rot in palms have already shown positive results.
“These measures are our first line of defence to protect production and livelihoods because of the centrality of the need for food security,” he explained.
Schlettwein also spoke about advancements in the Green Scheme Projects, which aim to revitalise agricultural production.
He revealed that several schemes, dormant for years, have been rehabilitated under government management.
He added that the Etunda Green Scheme successfully harvested 210 hectares of wheat with a yield of four tonnes per hectare and planted an equivalent area of maize for the summer season.
Land reform remains a cornerstone of the ministry’s agenda, though challenges persist.
Schlettwein acknowledged the need to accelerate land redistribution while improving post-resettlement support.
“The skewness in land ownership has not been adequately addressed, and the promise of correcting the wrongs of the past has not yet been fulfilled,” he said.
According to Schelettwein, notable progress includes securing two farms in the Omaheke and Hardap regions, totalling over 11,000 hectares, for the resettlement of previously disadvantaged Namibians.
Despite these achievements, the minister did not shy away from addressing persistent challenges such as climate change, inadequate funding, and ageing infrastructure.
He stressed the importance of innovation and research, calling for the establishment of a dedicated research facility within the Ministry to develop vaccines, improve crop varieties, and enhance livestock breeding.
“The progress we have made so far is a demonstration of what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal. “Let us remain committed to ensuring food security, equitable land distribution, and sustainable water management for all Namibians,” he said.
The workshop, which will end on Friday provides an opportunity for the ministry to review its performance and refine strategies for future quarters.
According to Sclettwein, the workshop is a vital element in aligning the ministry’s efforts with the country’s sixth National Development Plan and the broader aspirations of the Namibian people.
